Criminal Penalties for False Statements
Title 18, Section 1001 of the U.S. Code states that a person is guilty of a felony for knowingly and willingly making false or fraudulent statement's to any Department of the United States Government.

In April 2002, the Maryland State Legislature passed a new law that is effective October 1, 2002. Families are subject to 3 years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine for false statements to a Housing Authority at application or during the term of program assistance. A person may not knowingly make a false statement of a material fact for the purpose of influencing a housing agency regarding:

• An application for housing assistance; or
• An action affecting housing assistance already provided.