Tiawana Brown sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for pandemic fraud

Former Charlotte City Councilwoman Tiawana Brown has been sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for her role in a COVID-19 pandemic relief fraud scheme. Brown pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud involving fraudulent applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Federal prosecutors stated that Brown and her two daughters, Antoinette Rouse and Tijema Brown, illegally obtained more than $146,000 in pandemic relief funds. Some of the money was used for personal expenses, including an elaborate birthday celebration. In addition to the prison term, Brown received two years of supervised release and was ordered to pay restitution to the Small Business Administration. Her daughters received probation and home detention.

During the sentencing, Judge Kenneth Bell rejected a request from the defense for probation, noting that the public is “tired of being ripped off” by those exploiting programs designed for people in desperation. Brown, who represented Charlotte’s District 3, had previously suggested the federal investigation was politically motivated during her 2025 reelection bid.