Great Lakes Wire

Mariah Davis, a 33-year-old resident of Southfield, has been charged with allegedly submitting fraudulent applications to the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the charges on Wednesday. Davis faces one count of False Pretenses involving amounts between $50,000 and $100,000, carrying a potential 15-year prison sentence. She also faces one count of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, which carries a potential 10-year sentence.

The CERA program is managed by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and aims to assist residents facing financial difficulties due to the pandemic. MSHDA identified several fraudulent applications submitted by Davis and referred the case to the Department of Attorney General. It is reported that Davis received $98,282.20 in CERA funds.

"MSHDA programs are intended to help those truly in need," said Nessel. "Exploiting these resources diverts critical assistance away from vulnerable residents in our community. I appreciate MSHDA for referring this matter to my office. We will continue working with them to safeguard public funds."

Amy Hovey, CEO & Executive Director of MSHDA, stated: "While fraud and abuse are rare, we take every instance seriously. We need every dollar we can get to help solve the housing shortage in our state. Anyone defrauding our programs is stealing from Michigan’s most vulnerable families, and we will unearth those crimes and make sure the perpetrators are held accountable."

Davis was arraigned in Lansing's 54A District Court before Judge Cynthia M. Ward and was given a $7,500 personal recognizance bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for August 1 at 2:30 pm before Judge Stacia Buchanan.

It should be noted that criminal charges are merely allegations at this stage; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.