News Summary
Tiawana Brown, a Charlotte City Council member, and her daughters have been indicted for wire fraud conspiracy. Allegations state they submitted false applications for $124,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. Authorities discovered misuse of funds for personal expenses. Brown claims the charges are politically motivated and has repaid a portion of the funds. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison, raising concerns about the integrity of local politicians amid ongoing public scrutiny.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Charlotte City Council member Tiawana Brown, along with her daughters Tijema Brown and Antionette Rouse, has been indicted on charges relating to wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud. The announcement of the indictment was made by U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, Russ Ferguson.
The indictment alleges that from April 2020 to September 2021, the trio engaged in a scheme to submit fraudulent applications for approximately $124,000 in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds through the Small Business Administration (SBA). Investigators indicated that they filed at least 15 applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds, utilizing false information throughout the process.
According to the allegations, Tiawana Brown and her daughters provided fake IRS forms and made inaccurate statements regarding their gross income and the number of employees their purported businesses had, which are critical components in the approval process for such loans. The alleged fraudulent activities prompted federal authorities to intervene, culminating in the recent charges.
The investigation revealed that Tiawana Brown used a substantial portion of the fraudulently obtained funds for personal expenditures, including approximately $15,000 spent on a birthday party. Among her expenditures were $3,500 for the venue, $5,000 on catering, $2,300 on decorations, and additional costs for a throne and a horse-drawn carriage.
In response to the scrutiny surrounding her actions, Tiawana Brown stated that she had voluntarily paid back over $20,000 of loan money upon realizing the potential investigation. Furthermore, she asserts that the allegations against her are politically motivated and do not pertain to her responsibilities as an elected official representing her constituents in Charlotte.
If the court finds Tiawana Brown and her daughters guilty, each defendant could face a maximum of 20 years in prison for the charges leveled against them. The severity of the potential penalties underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the misuse of funds intended to assist those impacted by the pandemic.
It is worth noting that Tiawana Brown has a prior conviction related to fraud charges that resulted in her serving time in federal prison. This history raises questions about her conduct and effectiveness as a city council member amidst increasing public scrutiny and distrust of local politicians in Charlotte. The current indictment follows a series of scandals that have plagued local government, further intensifying the community’s concerns regarding the integrity of its leaders.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Tiawana Brown has expressed her determination to remain on the city council, aiming to continue her work in public service. She faces not only legal repercussions but also the challenge of maintaining the trust of her constituents in light of these serious allegations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte Councilmember Indicted on COVID-19 Relief Fraud
Charlotte City Council Member Indicted on COVID Loan Fraud Charges
Trump Grants Pardon to Former Councilwoman Michele Fiore
Champion House of Care Supports Seniors in Charlotte
Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer
- WSOC TV
- Spectrum Local News
- Wikipedia: Wire fraud
- Google Search: COVID-19 fraud North Carolina
