Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has announced the arraignment of Pipheak “Tom” Sun, a 51-year-old resident of Pepperell, in Middlesex Superior Court, alleging that he masterminded a sweeping rental assistance fraud scheme while serving as Director of Housing and Consumer Education at the Lowell-based nonprofit Community Teamwork, Inc.. The charges stem from a joint investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s Office and the Office of the Inspector General, which concluded that Sun misappropriated more than $280,000 in rental assistance funds intended to help families facing housing instability.

Prosecutors allege that between 2021 and 2023, Sun exploited his leadership position at the nonprofit to fabricate rental assistance applications. These applications falsely claimed that certain tenants resided in properties owned by his friends and relatives. Instead of going to legitimate landlords on behalf of tenants in crisis, investigators say significant portions of the funds were redirected for personal gain. Approximately $23,000 was allegedly funneled directly into bank accounts belonging to Sun and his wife. In addition, around $259,000 in rental assistance payments were reportedly issued to five individuals connected to Sun, who were falsely presented as landlords of eligible tenants. Authorities believe Sun received kickbacks amounting to roughly 60 percent of those payments, most of which were allegedly paid in cash.

The indictment further alleges that Sun submitted five emergency rental assistance applications using the personal identifying information of at least four individuals without their knowledge or consent. These alleged actions led to a series of charges, including one count of larceny over $1,200, six counts of larceny over $1,200 by scheme, one count of attempted larceny over $1,200, one count of solicitation to commit larceny over $1,200, and five counts of identity fraud. Sun has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A scheduling conference in Middlesex Superior Court has been set for March 10.

Attorney General Campbell emphasized the broader implications of the case, noting that as housing costs continue to rise across Massachusetts, public resources intended to stabilize families must be protected. She expressed appreciation for the partnership with Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro and reiterated her office’s commitment to prosecuting those who misuse positions of trust for personal enrichment. Inspector General Shapiro described the alleged conduct as a deliberate attempt to defraud a program designed to keep vulnerable residents housed and pledged continued collaboration to safeguard public funds.

Community Teamwork, Inc. plays a critical role in administering rental assistance programs in Lowell, distributing funds directly to landlords on behalf of qualifying tenants. Programs like these are often a lifeline for individuals and families navigating financial hardship. The allegations in this case underscore both the importance of oversight and the impact that abuse of authority can have on already strained housing systems.

As with all criminal proceedings, the charges against Sun are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Christina Lindberg and Jesse Coulon of the Attorney General’s White Collar and Public Integrity Division, with investigative support from Senior Financial Investigator Jonathan Pitts and Lead Investigator Emily Smith of the Inspector General’s Audit, Oversight, and Investigations Division.

IF YOU NEED A LAWYER CONTACT US