CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte City Council member Tiawana Brown and her two daughters, Tijema Brown and Antionette Rouse, have been federally indicted on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy related to allegedly misusing nearly $125,000 in COVID-19 relief funds.
Prosecutors say the women submitted at least 15 fraudulent loan applications to the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) between April 2020 and September 2021. The applications allegedly included false information such as fake tax documents and fictitious businesses.
Court documents reveal that some of the funds were used for personal expenses, including a $15,000 birthday party for Councilwoman Brown, featuring luxury elements such as a horse-drawn carriage and a rented throne.
Brown, who made history as the first formerly incarcerated person elected to the Charlotte City Council in 2023, addressed the allegations publicly, stating she has not been convicted and sees no reason to resign. She claims she only received approximately $20,000 from the programs and repaid it after identifying errors attributed to a third party.
“I want to be clear: These allegations concern actions that took place before I took office,” Brown said. “I’ve always been transparent about my past and have worked tirelessly to serve my community with integrity and dedication.”
Brown served four years in federal prison decades ago for a separate fraud conviction but has since become a community advocate. She says the indictment is an attempt to undermine her work and impact.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison per charge. Brown’s attorney, Rob Heroy, confirmed she plans to plead not guilty during her initial court appearance scheduled for Friday morning.
Brown stated she will not step down from her seat representing Charlotte’s District 3 and intends to continue her service while fighting the charges.
