‘Yes ma’am’: Tiawana Brown admits trying to steal from federal government
Former Charlotte Councilwoman Tiawana Brown has pleaded guilty in her pandemic relief fraud case after initially dispelling the charges as a political attack.
Brown admitted to wire fraud conspiracy as part of a plea deal and said “yes ma’am” when a federal clerk asked if she was telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina Monday morning.
Brown could face up to 20 years in prison, U.S. Magistrate Judge David Keesler said as the former District 3 representative stood before him. She left her fur coat on a courtroom bench.
Brown and her two daughters were indicted in federal court in May. They are accused of submitting false documents and employee records to get COVID-relief funds from April 2020 to September 2021. According to court documents, that money was later used on Louis Vuitton items and Brown’s lavish birthday party, which featured a horse-drawn carriage and throne.
All three were charged with wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy.
Each charge carries up to 20 years in prison. The daughters’ cases have been continued through April.
Brown, who lost re-election last year, took a plea deal with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Federal prosecutors agreed they would not recommend prison time, but Brown’s punishment will ultimately be decided to the judge who presides over her sentencing. No sentencing date has been set.
Brown avoided a gaggle of reporters outside the courthouse by slipping out a side door.
“Yes, I have Court today,” she posted on Facebook around 9 a.m. “Too many text messages to answer. Thank you - however I only trust God.”
This story was originally published February 9, 2026 at 12:05 PM.
