Katrina Brown, Reggie Brown: Former Jacksonville City Council members sentenced on federal fraud charges

Two former Jacksonville City Council members were sentenced Thursday afternoon on federal fraud charges.

Katrina Brown was sentenced to 33 months. She must:

• Surrender to the closest facility
• Serve supervised release for five years
• Pay $210,549 in restitution to the City of Jacksonville

Reggie Brown was sentenced to 18 months. He must:

• Surrender to the closest facility
• Serve supervised release for three years
• Pay restitution to the IRS and the City of Jacksonville

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.

The sentencing hearing initially began Tuesday.

The judge Thursday said Katrina Brown didn’t intend to commit fraud, but that her bad business decisions led her down a path where she knew she was breaking the law and she enlisted Reggie Brown’s help.

In the sentencing of Reggie Brown, the judge noted his years of public service and devotion as a father.

Both Browns, who aren’t related, tried six times to delay sentencing, citing COVID-19 concerns.

In court this week, they asked for leniency. Katrina Brown cried in court Wednesday, calling this an “embarrassment.”

Before the two left court Thursday, the judge said COVID-19 isn’t a get out of jail free card, saying prisons are effectively handling the pandemic.

Reggie Brown and Katrina Brown, who can appeal their sentences, will remain free until they learn where they’ll serve their time -- that could take up to 90 days.

Cox Media Group