Charlotte City Councilwoman, 2 daughters make first appearance in federal court

CHARLOTTE — Tiawana Brown was swarmed by reporters as she left the federal courthouse blocks away from the government center where she sits on the Charlotte City Council.

Brown and her daughters pleaded not guilty Friday on multiple federal charges related to $124,000 of fraudulently obtained PPP loans.

The indictment claims the women spent the money on personal expenses including $15,000 on Brown’s 50th birthday party in Uptown Charlotte. The party included a horse drawn carriage and professional photography hosted at the Gantt center.

On Thursday, Brown told the media the loan wasn’t that much and she paid back what she owed.

“I have one loan $20,833.. 20,833. When the application was processed, I paid it back,” explained Brown.

In her first court appearance, Brown was able to walk out without having to pay a bond. The judge did order Brown and her daughters to turn in their passports. The Charlotte District 3 Councilwoman will be allowed to travel for her job with American Airlines and responsibilities related to city council.

Brown was convicted of fraud in the 90s and went to prison for several years. Now, she is facing new charges for wire fraud and conspiracy. If convicted, she and her daughters could spend two decades in prison for each charge.

According to the US Courts government website, more than 90% of those charged by the federal government get convicted.

Brown’s lawyer says they are not interested in a plea deal.

Brown maintains she will not resign from her government job.