A Southfield woman, Mariah Davis, 33, is headed to trial in the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County after waiving a preliminary examination on charges of submitting multiple bogus applications to Michigan’s COVID Emergency Rental Assistance program. She was charged with False Pretenses for an amount between $50,000 and $100,000 and Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, tied to nearly $100,000 allegedly obtained through the program, according to the Department of Attorney General.
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority flagged the applications and referred the case to Attorney General Dana Nessel, who said, "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." The case comes as the state continues efforts to protect public funds intended for pandemic-impacted residents, as reported by the Department of Attorney General.
MSHTDA CEO Amy Hovey said, "Instances of fraud are rare, but we don’t let them go unchecked," Hovey remarked. "Anyone who attempts to divert those resources is stealing from the state’s most vulnerable residents." The case involves alleged misuse of relief funds, and Davis is scheduled for a Circuit Court Arraignment on October 29 in the 30th Circuit Court. The court will decide the outcome, as stated by the Department of Attorney General.
