(CAIRO, IL) — Federal authorities have taken over a southern Illinois county’s public housing authority, citing years of mismanagement. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Monday that it was immediately taking possession of the Alexander County Housing Authority. It cited a “years-long pattern of financial and operational mismanagement, poor housing conditions and alleged civil rights violations.” HUD said it recently reviewed units and found roaches, mold, electrical and plumbing issues and appliances that didn’t work. Alexander County Housing Authority executive director Jason Ashmore declined comment Monday. HUD officials said the agency was assigning two administrators to assume day-to-day control of the agency effective Monday and had relieved the housing authority’s commissioners of their duties. HUD said it would communicate directly with Alexander County Housing Authority residents and employees.