A Harris County jury has found Roda Osman, 35, known online as the “Brick Lady,” guilty of theft involving more than $42,000 in GoFundMe donations. Prosecutors said Osman falsely claimed she was attacked with a brick, prompting a fundraising campaign, but video evidence showed her striking Olan Douglas before being hit with a plastic water bottle. After about two and a half hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Osman, who was sentenced to 10 years of probation, including 90 days in jail and mandatory substance abuse treatment, according to Click2Houston.
Prosecutor Keith Houston stated that Roda Osman misused $42,302 in GoFundMe donations on personal expenses, including travel and spa treatments. Osman was sentenced to 90 days in jail and probation, during which she is required to repay the full amount and is prohibited from using social media. The court called for order several times as the verdict was read. Osman's legal team indicated plans to appeal, and a $50,000 appeal bond could delay her probation and related conditions until the appeal process, which may extend beyond a year, is completed, as reported by Click2Houston.
FOX26 Houston stated that Osman was released on bond after an arrest warrant was issued following a police investigation that disputed her assault claims. The case gained significant attention on social media, which was initially used to raise funds for Osman and later to share evidence contradicting her account, prompting renewed scrutiny of online crowdfunding practices.
