Councilwoman facing federal charges hosts town hall meeting

CHARLOTTE, NC – Dozens of people packed into Good Shepherd Church to hear from Charlotte District 3 Councilwoman Tiawana Brown. The councilwoman’s town hall comes one week after she pleaded not guilty to federal charges for PPP fraud. The event was already scheduled before she was charged.

Police and city staff spoke about safety, transportation and development, but some constituents showed up expecting to hear more about the allegations against brown.

“Traffic is certainly an issue since I’ve moved here it’s almost immobile I avoid going out it’s so bad,” Dianne Kreps District 3 resident of 29 years said. “I have a concern about our District 3 councilwoman and I believe we need honesty and she’s not coming through with that.”

District 3 covers West Charlotte including the airport down to the southwest state line Steele Creek area. People from outside the district showed up to hear from the councilwoman.

“I was looking at the issue at a city-wide issue looking at the issue with the Chief [of police] announcement about the Mayor and other council persons and then this indictment of Councilwoman Brown,” Gregory Miller, District 4 Resident of 20 years said. “We see it as not separate but all together.”

In a press conference after the indictment was released, Brown said she paid back a portion of her PPP loan after noticing descrepanices with the third party that filed the paperwork for the loan. Supporters say the fraud accusations don’t change her work advocating for the people.

“That does not take away from her what she’s done her ability and all of that,” Jacquelyn Holland District 3 resident of 10 years said. “So, I’m not one who’s willing to vilify her or crucify her…I’m in support of her period.”

During Q&A, no one asked Brown about her indictment publicly, but she addressed it during her closing remarks. She and her daughters are both facing fraud and conspriacy charges.

“I will continue to show up and do the work that I was elected by you to do,” Councilwoman Brown said. “It’s not my seat, it’s your seat. Thank you for your support your time pray for me and my family during this time.”

Unless she runs for re-election, Brown’s term is up at the end of the year. If convicted of fraud and conspiracy she faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for each count.