Alabama police chief, two others charged with COVID-19 relief fraud
The police chief of Brundidge and two others have been indicted on federal charges alleging COVID-19 relief funds fraud.
According to the indictment, Brundidge Police Chief Samuel Cornelius Green, 50, Sharon Jones Green, 53, and Schemillia Levera Fenn, 40, all from Troy, are facing federal charges for their roles in a conspiracy to fraudulently receive funds through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
When creating the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Congress made up to $46 billion in funding available to assist households that were unable to pay rent or utilities due to financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is alleged that the conspiracy began on March 2, 2021, and continued through at least November 9, 2021.
Samuel Green is charged with 13 counts in the indictment, including one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; three counts of money laundering; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud; six counts of wire fraud; and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
More: Forecasters upgrade weekend storm threat across Alabama to level seen about once a year
The same indictment charges Sharon Green with nine counts, including one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; three counts of money laundering; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud; three counts of wire fraud; and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Schemillia Fenn is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
They could not be reached for comment, and court records did not show if they have attorneys. Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the indictments.
Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama police chief, others indicted on COVID relief fraud charges
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