GHA head placed on unpaid leave amid battery case
Bonds was arrested and charged with two counts of strangulation and two misdemeanor counts of domestic battery following a June 20 incident when he allegedly choked two women in a dispute about cooking. His initial court appearance — when a No Contact Order will be discussed — is scheduled for July 7, according to court records.
The board said the decision comes as part of an ongoing review process to ensure the effective management and oversight of the Authority's operations.
'We believe that this decision is in the best interest of the Gary Housing Authority and the community we serve,' said Cynthia Taylor, Chair of the Board of Commissioners, in the release. 'We are dedicated to upholding our commitment to the residents of Gary and ensuring that the Authority operates with integrity and effectiveness.'
The board chose Damon E. Duncan to lead the GHA in the interim. Duncan owns Atlanta-based Clesia Ventures, LLC, a firm that GHA has engaged for its Choice Neighborhoods planning initiative.
GHA said it has been in contact with the Indiana HUD Field Office and the City of Gary during this time to ensure a seamless transition and said that its services will continue uninterrupted, according to the release.
Bonds released an emailed statement last week apologizing to the GHA, but said the charges were 'the result of an unfortunate disagreement between me and (a person living in his home)' and claimed it 'has not been accurately portrayed publicly.'
'I extend my deepest apologies for the embarrassment experienced by the Gary Housing Authority as a result of a personal family matter,' Bonds said. 'Most importantly, I regret the negative impact that this situation has had on my family, friends and loved ones.'
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