CAIRO, Ill. (AP) — Problems persist at a southern Illinois housing complex a year after federal officials stepped in.

Residents still report roaches, rats, mold and poor heating at apartment complexes within the Alexander County Housing Authority.

The Southern Illinoisan reports that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development took over the local housing authority last February, citing years of mismanagement and discriminatory practices by local managers.

Several former residents filed a lawsuit last year against the housing authority and its former directors, alleging discrimination based on race and family status, and rent overcharges.

Records and the newspaper’s previous reports allege that former managers and board members of the complex spent lavishly on themselves with taxpayer funds intended to benefit housing residents. The defendants have denied all allegations.