Charlotte councilmember pleads not guilty to COVID fraud charges, refuses to resign
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — City Councilmember Tiawana Brown is speaking out and standing her ground after pleading not guilty to federal wire fraud charges related to COVID-19 relief funds. Brown, who represents Charlotte's 3rd District, made her first court appearance Friday morning alongside her two daughters, who are also facing charges.
Federal prosecutors allege that Tiawana Brown, Tijema Brown, and Antoinette Rouse used fake tax documents to fraudulently obtain nearly $125,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans during the pandemic. One of the allegations claims Brown used part of the loan money to fund a lavish $15,000 birthday party, a loan she says she fully repaid.
'I paid it back…on my own…no one had to tell me to do that,' Brown explained.
PREVIOUS: Charlotte council member, daughters indicted for misusing COVID funds, including $15,000 birthday bash
Although Brown and her daughters are not being held in custody while they await trial, a federal judge has ordered that their passports be confiscated, meaning they cannot leave the country.
Brown, who remained composed throughout the court proceedings on Friday, made it clear she has no intention of stepping down from her role on the city council.
'I am the city councilmember that was elected for the people, by the people,' she said outside the courthouse. 'You don't lose respect for allegations.'
Her legal team says they aren't interested in negotiating a plea deal and are reportedly preparing for trial. No date has been set yet, but the trio has requested a jury trial.
Brown also confirmed she plans to be at the next city council meeting on Tuesday, continuing her duties despite growing calls for accountability.
This isn't Brown's first encounter with the justice system. She previously served four years in federal prison for fraud-related charges over 30 years ago.Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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