NC Councilwoman and Daughters Sentenced in COVID Relief Fraud Scheme...
Court records show that between April 2020 and September 2021, Charlotte City Councilwoman 55 year old Tiawana Brown, and her daughters, 32-year-old Tijema Brown and 34-year-old Antionette Rouse, submitted false applications for pandemic relief funds. The three pled guilty to fraudulently obtaining nearly 150-thousand dollars through the Disaster Loan program and Paycheck Protection Program.
Tiawana Brown, former Charlotte City Councilwoman, running for re-election in 2025.TiawanaBrown.com
Authorities say the women submitted at least 13 false applications. Officials say some of the money was used for personal expenses, including a $15,000 birthday party for the councilwoman.
The daughters were each sentenced to two years of probation and four months of home detention. Former Charlotte City Councilwoman Tiawana Brown was sentenced to 10 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release.
All three were ordered to forfeit thousands of dollars in fraud proceeds and pay about $137,000 in restitution to the Small Business Administration.
Officials say Tiawana Brown has paid about $21,000 in restitution to date.
Click HERE to be directed to the U.S. Attorney's Office Western District of NC press release.
