State's new HUD director charged in assault

The federal government's new housing director in Las Vegas faces a July 13 court hearing in Buffalo, N.Y., on felony charges that he assaulted his wife.

Kenneth LoBene, 49, became the new Nevada coordinator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in May. He held a similar position in HUD's Buffalo office from 1995 through last April.

While back in Buffalo on June 20, he was arrested by Buffalo police for second-degree assault on his wife, Eugenia, in their home.

"He came home, he was intoxicated, struck her with a shoe, lacerating her head and throwing her down several times," Buffalo police Lt. Dwayne Rizzo said.

The Buffalo News reported on June 21 that LoBene pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. But the paper was unable to reach him. LoBene also refused to return repeated calls from the Sun to his Las Vegas office.

Susan McCue, a HUD spokeswoman in Washington, D.C., said the agency was waiting to see what will happen during LoBene's scheduled court appearance before Buffalo City Judge Patrick Carney.

"The case is pending and these are serious allegations but until we have a decision in court I can't speculate on what action will be taken," McCue said.

Marie Shattuck, a spokeswoman in the Buffalo office, said LoBene directed 124 employees in a 17-county area of upper New York state. LoBene had served in that office since 1980. Shattuck, however, declined comment on LoBene's performance or on the criminal allegations.

"It would be inappropriate for me to comment on that," Shattuck said.

LoBene came to Las Vegas to replace Paul Pradia, who remains in the Southern Nevada office in a senior position as a liaison between HUD and the community.

The Buffalo newspaper reported that the assault allegedly occurred after the couple returned home after a night out with friends. The wife reportedly was driving herself to a local hospital when police pulled her over for erratic driving. Police subsequently arrested LoBene.

His wife required seven surgical staples to repair her head wound. She appeared in court later that day to obtain a protection order against LoBene.

The newspaper reported that Carney ordered LoBene to stay away from his wife and their house, except to get his car. Their Buffalo home had already been sold, and the couple was preparing to move.

Since HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo took over last year, the agency has gone through major streamlining and a reduction in its work force from 10,400 employees to 9,200. Among its various functions is the funding of local Section 8 public housing programs.

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