Reggie Brown prepares to argue he had ineffective counsel at trial
Former Jacksonville city councilman Reggie Brown has filed a new motion aimed at delaying a forfeiture order against his home. His motion also suggests he plans to argue he had ineffective counsel from his court-appointed attorney, at his 2019 federal trial on conspiracy and fraud charges.
Federal appeals court affirms convictions, sentences of ex-City Council members
Three judges from the Atlanta-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit heard oral arguments on Wednesday in the appeals from two former Jacksonville 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.
Reggie Brown and Katrina Brown to begin sentences in federal prison today
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After several attempts to avoid serving any time, two former Jacksonville city council members, Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown are scheduled to report to federal prisons today. With that, Katrina Brown has been told to report to Coleman Federal Correctional Institution in Sumter County to begin a 33-month prison sentence today. AdThe Federal Bureau of Prisons has not responded to News4Jax as to where Reggie Brown is going, but he is also due to begin his 18-month sentence today. TIMELINE: Prosecution of Katrina Brown and Reggie BrownThe Browns were convicted of more than 30 felonies each, including money laundering, fraud, and conspiracy. During sentencing, the judge noted that neither Katrina nor Reggie showed any remorse during the proceedings despite that they committed a sophisticated and deliberate act of fraud.
Judge denies motions by convicted ex-City Council members
Katrina Brown was sentenced to 33 months in prison. Katrina Brown was sentenced to 33 months followed by five years of supervised release. Reggie Brown was given a sentence of 18 months, followed by three years of supervised release. Katrina Brown was convicted on 37 different felonies, including money laundering, fraud and conspiracy. Reggie Brown was convicted of 33 felonies.
Judge grants appeal for ex-Jacksonville City Councilwoman Katrina Brown
U.S. District Magistrate Judge James Clint also found that Katrina Brown was financially unable to get her own attorney so one will be appointed to represent her during the appeal. The charges resulted from government loans and grants to Katrina Brown’s family business. For Katrina Brown, the government wanted 4½ years in prison, three years of supervised release and $535,335 forfeited. After Monday’s hearing, Katrina Brown told News4Jax she was optimistic about the appeal. Curtis Fallgatter, who was Katrina Brown’s trial attorney, was allowed to withdraw from the case.
Ex-Jacksonville City Council members ask for release while case is on appeal
TIMELINE | Case against Katrina Brown and Reggie BrownReggie Brown’s attorney, M. Alan Ceballos, said in his appeal, that his client meets the criteria for release while his appeal is in process. Katrina Brown’s attorney, Curtis S. Fallgatter, asked for the same, writing that she is a perfect candidate for release at this time. Reggie Brown was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release. For Katrina Brown, the government wanted 4½ years in prison, three years of supervised release and $535,335 forfeited. For Reggie Brown, prosecutors wanted four years in prison, three years of supervised release and $411,752 forfeited.
Ex-Jacksonville City Council members sentenced to prison in fraud case
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The long-delayed sentencing hearing for ex-Jacksonville City Council members Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown reached a conclusion Thursday afternoon, with both receiving prison sentences. A judge handed Katrina Brown a sentence of 33 months followed by five years of supervised release. Reggie Brown was given a sentence of 18 months, followed by three years of supervised release. Final statements saw the pair’s attorneys call a few more witnesses to testify about their character -- Katrina Brown’s uncle and pastor and Reggie Brown’s ex-wife appeared. For Reggie Brown, prosecutors wanted four years in prison, three years of supervised release and $411,752 forfeited over.
Timeline: Case against Katrina Brown & Reggie Brown
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The federal case against Katrina and Reggie Brown began to unfold in May 2018. The former Jacksonville City Council members, who are not related, were named in a federal indictment alleging fraud and money laundering, charges related to the misuse of a federally backed loan and a city grant obtained by a barbecue sauce business owned by Katrina Brown’s family. RELATED: Former Jacksonville City Council members to be sentenced Thursday
Former Jacksonville City Council members to be sentenced Thursday
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The long-delayed sentencing hearing for former Jacksonville City Council members Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown is expected to reach a conclusion Thursday. The jury found Katrina Brown guilty on all 37 counts and Reggie Brown guilty on 33 of 34 counts against him. A last few witnesses were called by attorneys for Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown, including Katrina Brown’s uncle, her pastor and Reggie Brown’s ex-wife. “We’re going to ask the city of Jacksonville to pray,” Reggie Brown told News4Jax while leaving court. We never had any conversation about doing anything wrong unethical or illegal,” Reggie Brown said.
No more delays: Katrina Brown, Reggie Brown to be sentenced on fraud convictions
On Tuesday morning, Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown, who are not related, arrived separately for the first day of sentencing. “Thank you very much for the support, and continue to pray for me," Katrina Brown, who arrived first, said to her supporters. The United States and the defense are still debating how much of a loss the actions of Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown amounted to. In court, it was estimated that Katrina Brown contributed to approximately $544,000 in losses, and Reggie Brown approximately $45,000. Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown were granted several delays in sentencing.
Judge denies further delay for Katrina Brown & Reggie Brown sentencing
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A sentencing hearing for former Jacksonville City Council members Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown will take place as currently scheduled Oct. 27-29, a judge ruled Wednesday. The pair, who are not related, asked for another delay in the sentencing, citing the coronavirus pandemic. But the court found that an in-person hearing can be conducted safely at this time. Sentencing was originally set for Jan. 27, but the hearing was postponed after Katrina Brown got a new attorney. The current sentencing date of Oct. 27-29 was then set on Aug. 31.
Katrina Brown & Reggie Brown asking for another sentencing delay
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Attorneys for former Jacksonville City Council members Katrina and Reggie Brown have filed a motion asking that their upcoming sentencing, which is set for Oct. 27-29, be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. In the motion, attorneys for the Browns argue that the order prevents any in-person felony sentencings from taking place unless they’re done over video. The motion states that both defense attorneys are over 65, and Curtis Fallgatter, Katrina Brown’s attorney, previously had bypass surgery, putting him at high risk. It also mentions that Katrina Brown has moderate asthma, and Reggie Brown has high blood pressure, which led to his May 2018 stroke, putting them both at high risk. Sentencing was originally set for Jan. 27, but the hearing was postponed after Katrina Brown got a new attorney.
Katrina Brown, Reggie Brown to be sentenced in October
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A year after Jacksonville City Council members Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown were convicted on federal charges of conspiracy, fraud and money laundering, the two will stand before a federal judge and be sentenced for the crimes. The Browns, who are not related, were found guilty last October on charges stemming from a federally-backed loan and a city grant obtained by a barbecue sauce business owned by Katrina Brown’s family. Sentencing was originally set for Jan. 27, but the hearing was postponed after Katrina Brown got a new attorney. U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard, who denied motions for direct acquittal and a new trial over the summer, has now set sentencing for Oct. 27. Katrina Brown chose to represent herself at trial, then hired an attorney for sentencing, followed by Reggie Brown’s latest hiring of an attorney.
Judge grants another sentencing delay for Katrina Brown & Reggie Brown
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A federal judge has granted a request to delay sentencing for former Jacksonville City Council members Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown. The charges stem from a federally-backed loan and a city grant obtained by a barbecue sauce business owned by Katrina Brown’s family. The judge has decided to push back the sentencing to June 30 at 9:30 a.m. Sentencing was originally set for Jan. 27, but the hearing was postponed after Katrina Brown got a new attorney. Katrina Brown chose to represent herself at trial, then hired an attorney for sentencing, followed by Reggie Brown’s latest hiring of an attorney.
Judge denies sentencing delay for Katrina Brown & Reggie Brown
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A federal judge on Friday denied a request to delay sentencing for former Jacksonville City Council members Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown — for now, anyway. The charges stem from a federally-backed loan and a city grant obtained by a barbecue sauce business owned by Katrina Brown’s family. Attorneys for the Browns asked a judge this week to push back the sentencing in light of the coronavirus outbreak. Sentencing was originally set for Jan. 27, but the hearing was postponed after Katrina Brown got a new attorney. Katrina Brown chose to represent herself at trial, then hired an attorney for sentencing, followed by Reggie Brown’s latest hiring of an attorney.
Sentencing for Katrina Brown & Reggie Brown delayed a 2nd time
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A federal judge has agreed to a second delay for the sentencing of former Jacksonville City Council members Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown, after Reggie Brown got a new attorney. A jury found that Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown both used some of the money for personal use. Their sentencing was originally set for January 27, but it was pushed back in December, after Katrina Brown got a new attorney to represent her at sentencing. In one motion, Thomas Bell, Reggie Brown’s attorney, asked to withdraw from the case and be replaced by his new attorney, M. Alan Ceballos. Katrina Brown chose to represent herself at trial, then hired an attorney for sentencing, followed by Reggie Brown’s latest hiring of an attorney.
Sentencing hearing for Katrina & Reggie Brown to remain in March
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A federal judge has ruled that the sentencing for former city council members Katrina and Reggie Brown will remain in March, denying a request by prosecutors to move the hearing back to its original date of January 27, 2020. The charges stemmed from a federally backed loan and a city grant utilized by a barbecue sauce business owned by Katrina Brown’s family. A jury found that Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown both used some of the money for personal use. On Dec. 17, attorney and former federal prosecutor Curtis Fallgatter informed the court he was representing Katrina Brown for her sentencing proceedings. Fallgatter also filed a motion on Katrina Brown’s behalf asking for a continuance of the scheduled sentencing hearing, specifying a 60-day delay.
Reggie Brown’s request for new defense attorney denied
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Two months after a federal jury found him guilty of 33 counts, including conspiracy, fraud and money laundering, former Jacksonville City Council member Reggie Brown’s request for a new defense attorney was denied, ahead of his sentencing. Last year, Reggie Brown and Katrina Brown, who are not related, were indicted on charges stemming from a federally-backed loan and a city grant utilized by a barbecue sauce business owned by Katrina Brown’s family. A jury found that Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown both used some of the money for personal use. Since the court found Reggie Brown was not able to afford his own lawyer, attorney Thomas Bell was appointed to represent him. After the two-hour hearing in the judge’s chambers, Reggie Brown’s request for a new lawyer was denied.
Reggie Brown asks for new defense attorney in federal fraud case
Last year, Reggie Brown and Katrina Brown, who are not related, were indicted on charges stemming from a federally-backed loan and a city grant utilized by a barbecue sauce business owned by Katrina Brown’s family. A jury found that Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown both used some of the money for personal use. In October, Katrina Brown was convicted on all 37 counts she faced, and Reggie Brown was convicted on 33 of the 34 counts against him. Since the court found Reggie Brown was not able to afford his own lawyer, attorney Thomas Bell was appointed to represent him. Following their convictions, both Reggie Brown and Katrina Brown asked the court for a judgment of acquittal or a new trial.
Judge: No new trial, acquittal for former council members Katrina & Reggie Brown
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A federal judge has ruled that the convictions of former Jacksonville city council members Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown will stand, denying their requests for an acquittal or a new trial. The charges stemmed from a federally-backed loan and a city grant utilized by a barbecue sauce business owned by Katrina Brown’s family. A jury found that Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown both used some of the money for personal use. Katrina Brown was convicted on all 37 counts she faced, and Reggie Brown was convicted on 33 of the 34 counts against him. A week later, Katrina Brown, acting as her own attorney, filed similar motions, claiming her constitutional rights were violated by her co-defendant’s attorney.
Government responds to convicted ex-council members' request for new trial
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - As expected, the U.S. Attorney's Office has asked a judge to deny motions for a new trial made earlier this month by convicted former Jacksonville City Council members Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown. Katrina Brown was found guilty on all 37 counts she faced and Reggie Brown was found guilty on 33 of 34 counts he faced. Katrina Brown argued a mistrial should have been granted over assertions made in opening statements by Reggie Brown's lawyer. Reggie Brown's lawyer told the jury he would testify in the trial, but the defendant changed his mind, as the trial went on. As for Reggie Brown's motion, the government responded it's basically what was presented in closing arguments.
Reggie Brown asks for new trial after conviction on 33 federal charges
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Former Jacksonville City Council member Reggie Brown is asking a federal judge for an acquittal or new trial, following his conviction on nearly three dozen charges including conspiracy, fraud and money laundering. Brown recently went on trial along with former City Council member Katrina Brown on charges connected to government loans and grants obtained by Katrina Brown's family's barbecue sauce business. A jury convicted Katrina Brown on all 34 of the charges she faced and convicted Reggie Brown on 33 of the 34 charges he faced. Bell also argues that the court erred in denying several motions made before the trial, as well as motions related to jury selection. Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown are currently scheduled to have a sentencing hearing Jan. 27, 2020.
Councilman: Reggie Brown, Katrina Brown 'have a good heart'
Katrina Brown was found guilty on all 37 counts she faced, and Reggie Brown was found guilty on 33 of 34 counts he faced. Councilman Reggie Gaffney wasn't expecting the trial to end as it did. After they were found guilty, both Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown maintained their innocence. "I had absolutely nothing to do with this," Reggie Brown told reporters as he left the courthouse. A jury determined Reggie Brown and Katrina Brown both used some of the money for personal use.
Ex-Jacksonville City Council members found guilty of fraud,...
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Two former City Council members were found guilty Wednesday of multiple counts of fraud, conspiracy and money laundering. "I had absolutely nothing to do with this," Reggie Brown told reporters as he left the courthouse. UNCUT: Reggie Brown, Katrina Brown react to verdictHe maintained his innocence, saying he will appeal and prays he doesnt go to prison. There is absolutely no explicit evidence that Katrina Brown approached Reggie Brown and said, Listen, I need some help. Timeline of grant/loan and Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown's business connectionsCopyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Ex-Jacksonville City Council members found guilty of fraud, conspiracy
"I had absolutely nothing to do with this," Reggie Brown told reporters as he left the courthouse. UNCUT: Reggie Brown, Katrina Brown react to verdictHe maintained his innocence, saying he will appeal and prays he doesn’t go to prison. Katrina Brown said she will have to piece together the events of the trial before deciding if she will appeal the verdict. Bell said Reggie Brown decided not to testify in his own defense due to the lack of evidence tying him to the conspiracy. “There is absolutely no explicit evidence that Katrina Brown approached Reggie Brown and said, ‘Listen, I need some help.
Jury weighs fraud, conspiracy charges against 2 ex-Jacksonville City Council members
Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown both rested their case on Monday. Katrina Brown added, "Happy birthday to Katrina Brown." Bell said Reggie Brown decided not to testify in his own defense is due to the lack of evidence tying him to the conspiracy. There is absolutely no explicit evidence that Katrina Brown approached Reggie Brown and said, Listen, I need some help. Reggie Brown's attorney pointed out during cross-examination that several of the checks had For Deposit Only or RB Packaging LLC on the back rather than Reggie Brown's signature.
Ex-City Council members rest case, one with no testimony or evidence
Moments later, Reggie Brown's attorney rested without calling any witnesses, despite saying in his opening statement last week that the jury would hear from his client. Katrina Brown, who is representing herself, asked about his role in the company. After Katrina Brown rested her defense, Reggie Brown's attorney did not enter any evidence or call any witnesses. "I dont believe the government has proved its position," said Reggie Brown as he left the courthouse Monday. Katrina Brown said she's ready for it.
Ex-City Council members rest case, one with no testimony or evidence
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Former City Councilwoman Katrina Brown rested her federal case Monday after calling several witnesses but without any direct evidence contradicting the government's claims that she and fellow council member Reggie Brown diverted some of nearly $3 million in government grants and loans for personal use. Moments later, Reggie Brown's attorney rested without calling any witnesses, despite saying in his opening statement last week that the jury would hear from his client. Among Katrina Brown's defense witnesses was her father, Jerome Brown, who is the namesake of the barbecue sauce business at the center of the lawsuit. Katrina Brown, who is representing herself, asked about his role in the company. She introduced bank records that show Jerome Brown and his wife, JoAnn, paid thousands of dollars of their personal money to help with the manufacturing process even as the business was losing money.
Government rests in fraud trial of ex-City Council members
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Federal prosecutors wrapped up their case Friday morning in the trial of Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown on fraud and conspiracy charges. Entering the courthouse Monday, Katrina Brown said she would not discuss her defense strategy. Reggie Brown said the government has exhausted its case, and he is eager for the defense phase. "I'm looking to Katrina Brown ... with her evidence, and then (defense attorney) Tom Bell to follow up," Reggie Brown said. He admitted Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown working on City Council may have diverted her attention from the family business.
FBI accountant: Ex-City Council members spent funds on personal expenses
The accountant, Kyle Stevens, summarized deposits, debits and checks written by the businesses involved in the barbecue business and related companies. An invoice prosecutors entered into evidence reflected payment in advance and looked almost identical to an RB Packaging invoice for boxes. Katrina Brown, who is representing herself, did not comment on the case as she entered the courthouse Thursday. Reggie Brown said he wasn't concerned about testimony Wednesday regarding bank transactions possibly pointing to him. Katrina Brown could start calling witnesses by the afternoon.
Testimony in ex-council members' fraud trial focuses on invoices
It's the third day of testimony in the trial of Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown, two former Jacksonville City Council members who are accused of multiple counts of fraud and conspiracy over how government loans and grants were used. Gantt said he cashed two checks totaling nearly $7,500 and gave the money to Katrina Brown, but kept $500. Courtroom sketch by Steve Bridges Katrina Brown cross-examines Vandaren Carlos Gantt on Wednesday. Entering the courthouse Wednesday, Reggie Brown commented on his co-defendant's handling of her own defense. Reggie Brown asked.
Prosecutors focus on financial records of ex-council members accused of fraud
Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown, fellow council members at one point but unrelated, are on trial on a total of 36 counts of fraud and conspiracy. Palmisano said that Katrina Brown would email a check request for thousands of dollars along with an invoice. Katrina Brown is representing herself after her court-appointed attorney withdrew from the case. Coming into the courthouse Tuesday, Katrina Brown said she felt great, but her father said she's not getting much sleep. Reggie Brown said he is glad most of the focus so far is on his co-defendant, something that he anticipated.
Lawyer: Ex-council members on trial for fraud had 'intimate' relationship
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A revelation was made during opening statements in federal court for the fraud trial of former Jacksonville City Council members Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown: A lawyer told the court the two defendants' relationship had become, "intimate at times." Speaking about herself in the third person, Katrina Brown said she "did the best she could." Bell said Reggie Brown's did not delve into the Browns' business financials, was not suspicious of Katrina Brown's motives and took the actions he did at her request. Court observers were watching closely as the trial opened to see how Katrina Brown handled representing herself. "Here she is Katrina Brown saying Katrina Brown did something," Peoples Waters said.
Lawyer: Ex-council members on trial for fraud had 'intimate' relationship
VIDEO: A revelation was made during opening statements in federal court for the fraud trial of former Jacksonville City Council members Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown: A lawyer told the court the two... Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.
Opening statements begin in fraud trial of ex-council members
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Opening statements begin Monday in the fraud trial for former council members Reggie Brown and Katrina Brown. The jury was seated last week, more than a year after the two former city council members were removed from office. The Browns, who are not related, face several charges stemming from loans taken out by Katrina Browns family barbecue sauce business. While Reggie Brown has his own attorney, Katrina Brown is acting as her own counsel. She does have an attorney on stand-by but is expected to give her own opening statement Monday.
Jury seated for fraud trial of ex-City Council members
Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown, who are not related, face dozens of counts stemming from loans taken out by Katrina Browns family barbecue sauce business. The agent is allowed to be in the courtroom because of a case agent exception granted by Judge Marcia Morales Howard. Since then, both Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges including conspiracy and fraud. Katrina Brown was not on the City Council when the business received the city loan and grant. Reggie Brown was on the City Council and voted to approve it in 2011.
Attorney: Katrina Brown's gutsy' move may improve her odds with jury
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Former City Councilwoman Katrina Brown is rolling the dice by choosing to represent herself in her upcoming federal fraud trial. Fallgatter said there is one key point Katrina Brown may capitalize on serving as her own counsel. But prosecutors claim the business submitted fake invoices in order to get the federal loan money and Katrina Brown is to blame. Federal prosecutors have a 90% conviction rate, so it's likely to be an uphill battle for Katrina Brown. Katrina Brown has even filled out legal documents, saying he had no blame in the business going bad.
Katrina Brown asks to represent herself in fraud trial
DOCUMENT: Katrina Brown' motion on representationKatrina Brown and former City Council member Reggie Brown were charged in a 38-count federal indictment that was unsealed in May 2018. The fraud allegations involve money loaned to Katrina Browns familys barbecue sauce business, KJB Specialties. Landes and Leombruno were appointed to represent Katrina Brown in January after her previous court-appointed attorney, Darcy Galnor, withdrew from the case. The trial for Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown was originally scheduled for August 2018, but was delayed to February to give defense attorneys time to review the voluminous evidence in the case. Following Katrina Browns change of attorneys, the judge delayed the trial again to August to give her time to prepare with her new legal team.
Judge gives Katrina Brown additional month to prepare for trial
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - After hearing arguments Tuesday from Katrina Brown on her request for more time to prepare to face a trial on fraud and money laundering charges, a federal judge agreed to delay the trial until next month. Katrina Brown responded, saying she felt that her first court-appointed attorney didnt do any work on her case. Katrina Brown told the judge shes reviewed some things, but not everything. A similar request made earlier this year was denied, but it was requested again after Katrina Brown was granted permission to defend herself. That same month, Katrina Brown asked to be tried separately on fraud charges.