Despite serious allegations, supporters stand by Rep. Corrine Brown

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — There were no shortage of supporters for longtime Congresswoman Corrine Brown, who faced a federal magistrate after being indicted on several charges, including conspiracy to commit fraud.

A group of supporters gathered outside of the federal courthouse in downtown Jacksonville holding signs and chanting.

Inside the courtroom, Brown was accompanied by state Sen. Audrey Gibson, who sent out a statement about the allegations, saying in part, “Congresswoman Brown is the victim of circumstances wherein she trusted someone whom she thought had a heart for the under served as she does.”

That someone, according to Gibson, is Carla Wiley, the president of the now defunct One Door for Education fund, which investigators claim was nothing more than a bogus charity used to line the pockets of Wiley, Brown and Brown’s chief of staff Elias “Ronnie” Simmons.

“I know her heart for the community and her trying to do the right things by particularly disadvantaged people, and I believe that any entity that was established was established for that purpose,” said Gibson. “When you’re a busy legislator and you turn something over to somebody and kind of take you eye of the ball, things like this happen and I believe that she is the victim and not the perpetrator.”

Spiritual leaders also came to her defense Friday.

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One of them is Brown’s pastor, Bishop Rudolph McKissick Jr., of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church.

McKissick said was quick to point out Brown’s accomplishments.

“She has been a voice for the voiceless, a liberator for those who have been oppressed she has fought tirelessly for those beyond race, creed, nationality and religion. I’m saddened that we have come to this point,” said McKissick.

The Rev. James Sampson, of First New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, urged everyone to remember the congresswoman is innocent until proven guilty and asked her constituents not to panic.

“She has been a champion for those who have been left out she has represented her district very, very well. Let me just say this is just an indictment it is certainly not a conviction,” said Sampson.

Brown is due back in court for a status of counsel hearing on July 26.

Cox Media Group