Former Mobile Housing Authority Employee Arrested Over Alleged $68,000 in Unauthorized Purchases

MOBILE, Ala. (BuzzReport) — A former Mobile Housing Authority employee is facing multiple felony charges after investigators allege he used his position to make approximately $68,000 in unauthorized purchases over a three-year period.

Ray Field Collins, 63, has been charged with two counts of fraudulent credit card possession, first-degree theft of property, and two counts of possession for personal gain, according to court records.

The investigation began after Collins reportedly experienced a heart-related medical issue and left the Housing Authority. During that period, purchases associated with Collins were subject to additional review by the agency’s finance department.

That review allegedly uncovered a pattern of unauthorized purchases dating from 2023 through 2025.

Investigators with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office said the purchases included numerous items that were not associated with the repair or maintenance of low-income housing. Among the items identified were automotive parts, air-conditioning units, grills, Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, flooring and other merchandise.

According to investigators, the total value of the questioned purchases is estimated at approximately $68,000.

The allegations have raised questions about the oversight of purchasing activity and the use of public resources within the housing authority during the period under investigation.

Collins was booked into the Mobile Metro Jail on September 18. Jail records indicate he was released on September 21 after posting a $40,000 bond.

Collins is scheduled to appear in court on September 23 as the criminal case moves forward.