Tonya Denise Brown, a former nurse at the Tangipahoa Parish jail, has been indicted in a wide-ranging investigation involving fraud, drugs, and perjury.
The indictment, announced by U.S. Attorney Duane Evans, charges the 48-year-old with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, making false statements, and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The charges were filed on Friday, September 26.
According to Evans, Brown is implicated in four distinct schemes of wire fraud. Court documents allege she exploited her position at the Tangipahoa Parish jail to solicit funds under the false pretense of aiding individuals with state criminal prosecutions.
Additionally, Brown is accused of defrauding the HUD-funded Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program and the FEMA rental assistance program. She reportedly claimed she could help individuals secure disaster assistance benefits in exchange for money.
The indictment also states that Brown engaged in aggravated identity theft by allegedly using a notary’s identity during the rental assistance fraud. Furthermore, she is accused of selling oxycodone and dextroamphetamine-amphetamine online, and offered to sell oxycodone hydrochloride pills.
Brown faces multiple charges, including four counts of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and the use of a facility in interstate commerce to facilitate unlawful activities. If found guilty, she could face severe penalties: up to 20 years in prison for the wire fraud connected to the criminal case assistance, up to 30 years for fraud related to the Restore Louisiana program and FEMA, and various terms for other charges including false statements and declarations before the court.