Great Lakes Wire

Mariah Davis, a 33-year-old resident of Southfield, has been ordered to stand trial in the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County after waiving her preliminary examination. The Michigan Attorney General’s office announced that Davis faces charges related to at least six allegedly fraudulent COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) applications submitted to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).

Davis was charged in July with one count of False Pretenses involving amounts between $50,000 and $100,000—a felony that carries a maximum penalty of 15 years—and one count of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, which carries a 10-year maximum sentence. Authorities allege that Davis received $98,282.20 in CERA funds through these applications.

The CERA program, managed by MSHDA, was created to help Michigan residents pay rent and utilities during financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. MSHDA flagged several applications allegedly submitted by Davis as suspicious and referred the case to the Department of Attorney General for investigation.

“Fraudulent activity diverts resources away from those who truly need them, and I am relieved to see this matter is advancing through the judicial process,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “My office will continue working with MSHDA to safeguard programs that support Michigan families and protect taxpayer funds.”

Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director of MSHDA, stated, “Instances of fraud are rare, but we don’t let them go unchecked. Every dollar we have is critical to solving Michigan’s housing crisis. Anyone who attempts to divert those resources is stealing from the state’s most vulnerable residents, and we will continue to pursue these cases and hold offenders accountable as they move through the justice system.”

Davis is scheduled for arraignment in Circuit Court on October 29.

The Attorney General’s office reminds the public that criminal charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Booking photos will not be provided by the department.