HOUSTON – A Houston City Councilman is distancing his office from a local nonprofit after its CEO, Rosemary Tucker, was arrested in an alleged rental fraud scheme. Tucker, who leads Hoodies 4 Healing, often posts videos and photos of her group’s weekly homeless feedings in downtown Houston and has been pictured with multiple elected officials.
Councilman Edward Pollard, who represents District J, told KPRC 2 News that although no public funds from his office were ever directed to Tucker’s nonprofit, he has “suspended any formal engagement with the organization and is reviewing all related matters.”
Tucker and licensed realtor Michael Okokhere are accused of using a stolen identity to lease homes, then illegally subleasing the properties to tenants while collecting rent. State records show Tucker’s real estate license has been suspended since 2018. Both suspects were arrested after a lengthy investigation by the Houston Police Department’s Major Offenders Division and have since been released on bond.
Tucker’s social media presence is significant — she has nearly 100,000 Facebook followers and often shares images of her involvement in homeless outreach alongside community leaders. Pollard acknowledged this in his statement, noting that while the allegations are serious, volunteers and partners involved in the nonprofit’s feeding efforts “acted in good faith.”
“The recent allegations against the organization’s leadership are deeply concerning,” Pollard said. “We believe in due process and will allow the legal system to determine the facts. Our commitment to serving Houston’s homeless population remains unwavering.”
Congressman Al Green, who also appears in photos with Tucker on Facebook, told KPRC 2 he does not know her personally or her organization, saying he takes countless photos with community members each week.
Houston Police say they have not yet found evidence that the fraudulently obtained real estate income was used to fund the nonprofit. However, an arrest warrant indicates some of the money may have covered expenses for Tucker’s Christian apparel business, car payments, and personal gym fees.
The investigation is ongoing.
