Newly uncovered audit findings allege a South Sound property manager fraudulently obtained nearly $1 million in pandemic rent assistance money, in a scheme that led Thurston County to shut down emergency aid for months.
The Thurston County Auditor’s Office initially requested an investigation into Lance Benson and his Lacey-based property management company in 2022. County audit documents identify at least $940,000 in rent aid payments to Benson’s company on behalf of properties whose owners told auditors they do not rent to tenants, do not work with Benson or disputed application details.
But three years later, Thurston County’s leadership has not demanded Benson repay the money or taken public action to hold him accountable for the alleged scheme…