News Summary
Tiawana Brown, a Charlotte City Council member, has been indicted on federal charges for wire fraud concerning fraudulent COVID-19 relief fund applications. Alongside her daughters, she allegedly obtained $124,165 through deceptive means. The funds were reportedly misused for personal expenses, including a lavish birthday party. Brown, who is the first formerly incarcerated individual to serve on the city council, claims the indictment is a political attack as she prepares for her upcoming re-election campaign. Each defendant faces significant prison time if convicted.
Charlotte – Tiawana Brown, a 53-year-old member of the Charlotte City Council, has been indicted on federal charges including wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud, as announced by U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina on May 22. She is facing these charges along with her daughters, 30-year-old Tijema Brown and 33-year-old Antionette Rouse, following allegations related to fraudulent applications for COVID-19 relief funds.
The indictment claims that between April 2020 and September 2021, the trio executed a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Prosecutors assert that they submitted at least 15 fraudulent applications containing false information or documentation. Through these deceptive actions, the defendants allegedly obtained approximately $124,165 in COVID relief funds.
Significantly, it is claimed that these funds, which were intended to assist qualifying businesses during the pandemic, were instead used for personal expenses. Notably, around $15,000 of the fraudulently obtained funds was reportedly used to host a lavish birthday party for Brown. This celebration included extravagant elements such as a throne and a horse-drawn carriage.
Tiawana Brown was elected to the Charlotte City Council during the general election of November 2023, with her current term set to conclude in December. She holds the distinction of being the first formerly incarcerated individual to serve on the city council. In the 1990s, Brown served prison time for fraud-related charges, a background that she has since used to advocate for incarcerated women through her nonprofit organization, Beauty After The Bars.
In response to the indictment, Brown has expressed her belief that these charges are a politically motivated attack intended to thwart her re-election campaign. She has indicated her intention to contest the allegations in court but has not made a decision regarding her resignation from the council position.
The indictment sparked reactions from city officials, with a spokesperson confirming that the alleged fraudulent activities occurred prior to Brown’s election to the council and clarifying that the city itself is not under investigation as a result of the matter.
On May 23, Brown and her daughters were assigned bonds of $25,000 each. If convicted of the charges against them, they could face up to 20 years in prison for each count of fraud. This potential outcome places significant weight on the seriousness of the charges they face.
As this situation unfolds, there has been no immediate comment from Charlotte’s mayor or Brown’s legal representation regarding the indictment or its implications. The case continues to draw attention as it highlights issues related to transparency and integrity in public office, specifically surrounding the use of funds intended to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte Memorial Day Weekend Celebrations
Charlotte Council Member Indicted for COVID-19 Fraud
Charlotte City Council Member Indicted on Fraud Charges
Charlotte Councilmember Indicted on COVID-19 Relief Fraud
Charlotte City Council Member Indicted on COVID Loan Fraud Charges
Investigation Launched into Charlotte Police Chief Settlement
Investigation into Alleged Police Settlement in Charlotte
Charlotte City Council Appoints Edwin Peacock to District 6 Seat
Fifth Inmate of Orleans Parish Jail Captured After Escape
Zoning Options Proposed for New Park Road Elementary School
Additional Resources
- ABC11 News
- WCNC
- Charlotte Observer
- Carolina Journal
- USA Today
- Wikipedia: COVID-19 pandemic
- Google Search: COVID-19 relief funds
- Google Scholar: COVID-19 relief programs fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: COVID-19
- Google News: Tiawana Brown
