Former Williamsburg Housing Authority director ruled competent to stand trial

The former executive director of the Williamsburg Housing Authority, who allegedly converted thousands of dollars from the housing authority for his own use, has been ruled competent to stand trial in the case against him.

James R. Lovitt, 55, appeared in Whitley Circuit Court last Wednesday for a competency hearing, which was held behind closed doors due to the confidential medical information that was discussed during the hearing.

Despite the hearing being held privately, the Whitley County Circuit Court Clerk’s office has confirmed that the evaluating physician who worked with Lovitt deemed him competent and a ruling of competency has been made by the court. The court notes, however, did state that the issue “may need to be revisited if guardianship is filed.”

Lovitt faces 45 criminal charges, including 34 counts of second-degree forgery, eight counts of theft by deception under $500, two counts of theft by deception over $500, and abuse of public trust.

Lovitt was suspended from his position as executive director in August 2019 following an investigation by police regarding information that was received regarding misappropriation of finances within the housing authority.

He was later indicted in October 2019 on the above charges.

According to that indictment, the 34 counts of second-degree forgery stem from the number of checks Lovitt allegedly forged between 2017 to 2019, in which he allegedly signed the name of John Brown as co-maker of the check, and then endorsed the name of the payee on each check.

The abuse of public trust charge alleged that Lovitt used his position of authority as executive director to convert $9,493 of the housing authority’s funds for his own personal use, the indictment alleged.

Lovitt was officially fired from his position in February 2020.

A follow-up status hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 17, 2023, at 11 a.m.

Lovitt is currently out of jail on bond.