Karen D. Wilder and Renwick L. Davis, both former employees of the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing (DIMH), pleaded guilty on August 8, 2025, to charges of theft of public funds. The plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Hall in Wilmington, Delaware.
Court documents reveal that between December 2021 and November 2023, Wilder, who served as Executive Director at DIMH, and Davis, a Case Manager at the organization, embezzled approximately $600,000 from DIMH’s bank accounts using various fraudulent methods. The funds included federal grants awarded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Treasury meant to support homeless individuals or those at risk in Delaware with emergency housing and medical assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Investigators found that Wilder withdrew cash from DIMH accounts under the pretense of providing emergency housing aid but instead deposited it into her personal accounts. Together with Davis, she also transferred about $150,000 directly into Davis’s personal account while claiming these funds would be used for rental or mortgage assistance for people in need. The stolen money was spent on luxury items, shopping trips, travel expenses, and paying off Wilder’s home mortgage.
U.S. Attorney Julianne E. Murray stated: “The defendants abused the trust of their positions and stole taxpayer dollars intended to provide essential services to Delaware’s most vulnerable citizens. The defendants’ greed deprived homeless individuals across southern Delaware of assistance they desperately needed. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to protect taxpayer dollars and hold fraudsters who exploit government aid for personal gain accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice from HUD’s Office of Inspector General added: “Wilder and Davis exploited their positions of trust to divert public funds away from the very individuals and families most in need,” noting continued collaboration with prosecutors to safeguard taxpayer resources.
FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno commented: “For years, Karen Wilder and Renwick Davis lived large on the taxpayer’s dime. Not only did they steal hundreds of thousands of dollars, but they prevented those who truly needed these resources from receiving help intended for them. As their guilty pleas show, the FBI and our partners will not tolerate corruption. We remain committed to identifying and pursuing those who violate the public’s trust.”
The case was investigated by HUD-OIG alongside agents from FBI Baltimore Field Office’s Wilmington Resident Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William E. LaRosa is leading prosecution efforts.
Additional information about this case can be found through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware website or by searching court records via PACER under Case Nos. 25-CR-93 and 25-CR-94.
