News Summary
Tiawana Brown, a member of the Charlotte City Council, and her daughters have been indicted on federal charges for fraudulently obtaining over $124,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The allegations include submitting false information and documentation for federal business assistance programs between April 2020 and September 2021. The legal consequences could lead to 20 years in prison for each charge, with the community keenly observing the outcome, given Brown’s unique background as the first formerly incarcerated City Council member.
Charlotte, NC – Tiawana Brown, a member of the Charlotte City Council, alongside her two daughters, Tijema Brown and Antionette Rouse, has been indicted on federal charges related to COVID-19 relief fraud. The announcement came on May 22, 2025, detailing allegations of wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud stemming from their actions between April 2020 and September 2021.
The indictment claims that the trio fraudulently secured over $124,000 in relief funds from federal programs intended to assist businesses impacted by the pandemic. They allegedly submitted at least 15 applications for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which contained false documentation and misleading information, including fabricated tax forms.
Key to the case is Brown’s clothing business, TC Collections, which she established in November 2020. It is suggested in the court filings that some of the misappropriated funds were spent lavishly on personal celebrations – notably, a birthday party costing approximately $15,000. This extravagant event featured a horse-drawn carriage, expensive catering, and professional photography, all funded through the bank account of Brown’s nonprofit organization, Beauty After the Bars, which was also implicated in the loan application process.
Tiawana Brown, who was elected to the City Council in 2023, represents District 3. She made history as the first formerly incarcerated person elected to this position, having previously served a four-year sentence in federal prison for felony fraud in the 1990s. Upon learning of the investigation, she purportedly repaid one of the PPP loans amounting to $20,833.
The legal ramifications for Brown and her daughters are severe; if convicted, they face maximum sentences of 20 years in prison for each charge. The U.S. Attorney’s Office described the case as classic fraud, characterized by the creation of false documents and intentional misrepresentation on loan applications.
Brown has publicly maintained that the charges are politically motivated and occurred prior to her election to the City Council. She expressed a commitment to clear her name through the legal process while continuing to serve her community. Her nonprofit organization focuses on supporting women who are transitioning from incarceration, highlighting her commitment to social reform.
As this situation unfolds, the city of Charlotte has stated that any alleged misconduct took place before Brown’s election and that the city is not being scrutinized in relation to her charges. The city has reiterated its commitment to maintaining integrity within its leadership and upholding accountability among its officials.
With federal charges now placed on the table, the community will be watching closely as the legal proceedings progress, given Brown’s unique background and her pivotal role in local governance. The outcome of the case could have significant implications not only for her future but also for public trust in the elected officials representing Charlotte.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
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Additional Resources
- Carolina Journal: Charlotte City Council Member Indicted on Federal Charges
- Wikipedia: Fraud
- Charlotte Observer: Charlotte City Council Indictment
- Google Search: Tiawana Brown indictment
- WSOC-TV: Councilmember Expects Indictment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Political Corruption
- WBTV: Charlotte City Councilwoman Indicted
- Google News: Tiawana Brown
