CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Former Charlotte City Council member Tiawana Brown was sentenced Tuesday to 10 months in prison, months after pleading guilty to federal wire fraud.
Brown was indicted in May 2025 and initially pleaded not guilty, but later took a plea deal before being sentenced in Charlotte federal court on Sept. 22.
Following the hearing, Brown took to social media to thank her supporters and address the sentence, calling it “personal.”
“I was not expecting to get 10 months in prison,” Brown said. “This judge had it out for me. This is why people do not trust the United States government and the FBI. They are so dirty.”
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Brown’s daughters were also indicted in the scheme, which involved fraudulently securing tens of thousands of dollars in PPP and small business loans — including funds used for a $15,000 birthday party. Both were sentenced to probation.
“There was a plea agreement in place that should have been honored, but it wasn’t honored,” Brown said. “You had to be in that courtroom. I had some of the most pathetic women in that courtroom… and the judge… it was personal. Rotten to the core.”
Ex-Charlotte City Council member Tiawana Brown leaves federal court after being sentenced to 10 months in prison on Sept. 22, 2026.(WBTV)
Despite the sentence, Brown insisted she would be fine and pledged to keep advocating for her community. At least two dozen supporters attended Tuesday’s hearing to defend her.
“Say whatever you want to say. Do you know how fast 10 months go by? I am going to be the people’s champ. I want to still fight for the people,” Brown said.
Brown, who served federal prison time in the 1990s on fraud charges, refused to step down after her May 2025 indictment and served out the remainder of her term through late 2025.
“I know who I am. Ya’ll can judge. Say whatever you want to say. I accept the responsibility and accountability,” Brown said.
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