JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A federal judge in Jacksonville has denied motions from two ex-City Council members who were sentenced to prison for multiple counts of fraud involving a federally backed loan and a city grant for a barbecue sauce business.
Katrina and Reggie Brown, who are not related, had asked a judge to allow them to remain free on bond while their appeals process works through the court system. A court document shows the judge determined neither raised issues in their appeals that are a “close” question or a “substantial” question that’s either a new issue or hasn’t been settled in the past, or is “fairly doubtful.”
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Both Katrina and Reggie Brown must begin their sentences as directed. They can still ask the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to grant them release pending appeal. If they want to do that, they have to file a motion by Jan. 15.
Katrina Brown has been told to report by Jan. 29 to Coleman Federal Correctional Institution in Sumter County to begin a 33-month prison sentence, her lawyer has told court officials.
The low-security facility with a minimum-security women’s camp is the same place former U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown served 27 months of a fraud sentence before being reassigned to home confinement in April.
No prison selection or report date has been announced for Reggie Brown.
TIMELINE: Prosecution of Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown
The two were sentenced on Oct. 29 after nearly a year of delays due to COVID-19 closures of the court and other reasons. Katrina Brown was sentenced to 33 months in prison.
Katrina Brown was sentenced to 33 months followed by five years of supervised release. She was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of more than $425,000.
Reggie Brown was given a sentence of 18 months, followed by three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of more than $411,000.
Katrina Brown was convicted on 37 different felonies, including money laundering, fraud and conspiracy. Reggie Brown was convicted of 33 felonies.