Katrina Brown, Reggie Brown: Former Jacksonville City Council members must report to prison while they appeal their federal fraud charges

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Two former Jacksonville City Council members, Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown, must begin serving their sentences for federal fraud charges while they appeal their convictions.

Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown were asking Judge Marcia Morales Howard to let them remain free during the appeal of their convictions, but their motions for release pending appeal were denied.

“The Court concludes that Defendants have failed to meet their burden of establishing the statutory factors for release pending appeal, and it is appropriate that they begin serving their sentences as directed,” the order from Howard said.

READ THE ORDER BELOW:

Reggie Brown and Katrina Brown were convicted in October 2019 on dozens of federal fraud charges, including fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy.

The pair was convicted on dozens of federal charges stemming from two fake businesses that were created to funnel more than $250,000 dollars in grant and loan funds to Katrina’s barbecue business.

After several delays, they were sentenced in October 2020. Katrina Brown was sentenced to 33 months and Reggie Brown was sentenced to 18 months.

They can re-appeal to another federal circuit next.

On Jan. 29, they are set to report to prison at the Federal Correctional Complex in Coleman, Sumter County.

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Courtroom sketches: Former Jacksonville City Councilmembers in court for sentencing on federal fraud charges A judge will decide a sentence for former Jacksonville City Council members Reggie Brown and Katrina Brown. (Sketch by Mobarick Abdullah III) (Mobarick Abdullah III)

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