Former Councilwoman to Start 10 Month Sentence This Week

Tiwana Brown will report to a federal prison in South Carolina at noon today, Wednesday, Oct. 28. The former Charlotte City Council member serves a 10 month sentence for wire fraud conspiracy. She previously represented the city from 2023 to 2025.

In September, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell imposed the sentence after Brown pleaded guilty. Prosecutors determined she fraudulently obtained nearly $150,000 in COVID-19 relief funds in 2020. Brown had served a previous prison term more than 30 years ago for similar crimes.

Brown spent the night before her reporting date with family, supporters, and close friends. The gathering included music and food. Tracey Robins, a supporter, said the event ensured Brown knew people still supported her. Brown described the emotional weight of the night, noting that her daughter is on probation and wears an ankle bracelet. Brown said the sight is triggering for their household. She also mentioned her grandson, who calls her Tweety and looks for her car in the driveway. Brown said she will move the vehicle because the child expects her to be home.

Brown stated she believed an agreement existed for her to serve only probation. She said the judge did not agree to that condition. Brown described herself as angry and upset but surrendered the situation to God. She claimed the punishment felt harsher because she was an elected official when the indictment was released. Brown maintained that under her oath there was no corruption and that she is asking only for fair treatment.

While Brown enters prison, her two daughters remain on probation. All three women were charged with fraud. Brown said she would go to jail for her daughters daily, calling it a mother’s love. Brown has positioned herself as an advocate for women staying out of prison. She plans to use her story to inspire others behind bars. She told her supporters to invest in women and recognize they are better than their worst mistake.

Brown said the night was filled with see you later remarks rather than goodbyes. She plans to continue her book, Unbreakable, with a new chapter detailing this experience. She said people have approached her to showcase her story. Brown stated her message to the public remains accountability, transparency, and staying out of trouble. She said she is at peace with the events unfolding in her life.