The city council member was living the high life when she had a $15,000 birthday party in uptown Charlotte, it was COVID money, keep it all in the family. She was born in the housing projects
On May 22, 2025 a federal grand jury indicted Democratic Charlotte City Council member Tiawana Brown, 53, and her two daughters, Tijema Brown, 30, and Antionette Rouse, 33, accusing them of fraudulently obtaining over $124,000 in COVID-19 money in Charlotte, NC. Follow Charlotte Alerts on Instagram.
All 3 women are charged with wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud. Federal officials say they filed fraudulent applications to falsely obtain COVID pandemic relief funds.
COVID-19 fraud arrests are at an all time high.
Tiawana owns a nonprofit business called Beauty After The Bars, it helps homeless women and formerly incarcerated women secure housing.
Federal officials say Tiawana, Antionette, and Tijema secured Coronavirus funding by filing false tax documents and other false documents. PPP and EIDL loans were given to the women in excess of $124,000.
Federal officials say Tiawana used some of the cash on herself by throwing a $15,000 birthday party in uptown Charlotte at the Harvey Gantt Center. At the party Tiawana had real horses and carriages carrying her in a princess royalty style display.
Tiawana was arrested in 2013 for fraud too. She served 4 years in prison. Tiawana was born in the Southside Homes Housing Projects. Antionette lives in Atlanta and Tijema resides in Charlotte.
Tiawana’s brother served 23 years in prison.
