Suspended Jacksonville City Council Member can't afford attorney for fraud case, says judge

8:35 p.m. UPDATE: 

The judge in the case for two suspended Jacksonville city council members has appointed Darcy D. Galnor to represent Katrina Brown in her federal fraud case.

Suspended Jacksonville City Council Member Katrina Brown cannot afford an attorney for her federal fraud case, according to a judge.

She and suspended Council Member Reggie Brown were indicted on a combined 38 counts on May 31, including fraud and money laundering charges.

Before Thursday’s 15-minute hearing, Katrina Brown filled out a financial affidavit.

Judge James Klindt said that document showed her debts are greater than her income and assets.

“As the judge explained, she’s upside down,” said Curtis Fallgatter, who bowed out as Katrina Brown’s attorney on Thursday. “This is a testament to the fact that all of the funds were expended back in the business.”

Fallgatter said he’s open to taking over as Katrina Brown’s attorney again down the road if she can pay him.

Judge Klindt said he will appoint an attorney for Katrina Brown.

Klindt said the suspended councilwoman must deposit $1,000 to retain that court-appointed attorney, then pay $100 every month beginning in August.

The judge assigned Reggie Brown an attorney last week because of his financial problems.

Action News Jax asked Reggie Brown if he plans to resign from city council.

“You only resign if you’re guilty, and I’m not guilty,” said Reggie Brown.

While Reggie Brown and Katrina Brown are suspended, they cannot be involved in city business.

Action News Jax asked Katrina Brown and Fallgatter whether she’s been talking to sitting city council members during her suspension.

“I’m not aware of any prohibition against talking to council,” said Fallgatter.

A memo from the city attorney said “sitting council members should not meet with suspended council members outside of a noticed meeting” because it could violate the Sunshine Law.

City Council President Anna Brosche told Action News Jax that sitting council members are still allowed to communicate with Reggie Brown and Katrina Brown about personal matters.

Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown are expected to enter their pleas on Monday.

The accusations

They're accused of fraud and money laundering involving tax-funded financial incentives for Katrina Brown's family barbecue sauce business.

The indictment includes allegations that Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown used their companies to create bogus invoices to transfer money back and forth.

Both are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, 26 counts of aiding and abetting mail and wire fraud, and six counts of aiding and abetting money laundering.

The indictment also charges Katrina Brown with two counts of attempted bank fraud and two counts of making false statements to a federally insured financial institution. Reggie Brown is accused of failing to file a tax return.

Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown face hundreds of years in prison. If they are found guilty on all charges and receive the maximum sentences, Katrina Brown would be ordered to serve 720 years in federal prison and Reginald Brown would serve 601 years.

Dozens apply to fill their seats

Nearly three weeks after suspending Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown, Gov. Rick Scott has not yet appointed their replacements.

Forty-five people have applied:

Darrin Williams

Terrance Brisbane

Brenda Priestly Jackson

Ju’coby Pittman

Tameka Holly

Celestine Mills

Terry Fields

Angela Nixon

Christopher Pendleton

Jean Tranquille

Randolph Hall

Charles Barr

James Greiner

Keshan Chambliss

Rahman Johnson

Clarence James

Dwight Brisbane

Niki Brunson

Ralph Chavers

Cornelius Cox

Theresa Graham

King Holzendorf

Kevin Monroe

James Breaker

Richard Camp

Tyrona Clark-Murray

David Cobb

Terrance Freeman

Mark Griffin

Chandra Griffith

Michael Halyard

Leslie Harris

Patricia Lockett-Felder

Kim Perry

Mincy Pollock

Molly Rattigan

Rickie Simon

Barney Spann

Sandra Teel

Nancy Walker

Wirt Washburn

Christian Whitfield

Albert Wilcox

Latangie Williams

Joseph Willis

The governor’s office has not set a deadline for applications.

Cox Media Group