A federal grand jury has indicted Charlotte City Councilmember Tiawana Brown and her two daughters for allegedly defrauding COVID-19 relief programs of more than $124,000.
U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson said Brown, 53, and daughters Tijema Brown and Antionette Rouse submitted at least 15 fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) between 2020 and 2021. Prosecutors say they used fake tax documents and misrepresented information to secure funds and loan forgiveness.
Brown, elected to represent District 3 in 2023, is accused of spending about $15,000 of the funds on a lavish birthday party. Photos from the 2021 event, held at the Harvey Gantt Center, were shared on social media.
JUST IN: Democratic Charlotte City Council Member, Tiawana Brown has been indicted for stealing $115,000 in COVID-19 funds. pic.twitter.com/UbPv1IcXjA
— Ian Jaeger (@IanJaeger29) May 22, 2025
Authorities say funds from her nonprofit, Beauty After the Bars, were used for personal expenses. The case remains under investigation.
