Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson has announced the indictment of three individuals from Pike County, Alabama, for their alleged involvement in a scheme to defraud the U.S. government. A federal grand jury in Montgomery brought charges against Brundidge Police Chief Samuel Cornelius Green, Sharon Jones Green, and Schemillia Levera Fenn.
The indictment accuses the trio of conspiring to fraudulently obtain funds through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. This program was established by Congress to provide up to $46 billion in aid to households struggling with rent or utility payments due to COVID-19-related financial difficulties. The alleged conspiracy reportedly began on March 2, 2021, and continued until at least November 9, 2021.
Samuel Green faces 13 counts including conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Sharon Green is charged with nine counts encompassing similar allegations. Schemillia Fenn faces one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
It is important to note that an indictment represents only an allegation and all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.