DOTHAN, Ala. — Brundidge Police Chief Samuel Green, his wife Sharon Green, and another individual, Schemillia Fenn, have been charged with multiple federal offenses related to the misuse of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Federal prosecutors allege that the trio engaged in a scheme to commit fraud through the ERAP, a program created by the federal government in 2020 to provide rental assistance during the pandemic. According to the indictment unsealed on Thursday, March 13, the defendants are accused of submitting false information on numerous ERAP applications between March and November of 2021. The scheme involved attempting to collect federal funds for non-existent properties, falsifying utility bills, and committing wire fraud multiple times.
At the time of the alleged crimes, Samuel and Sharon Green were landlords in Pike County, and all three individuals resided in Troy. While their exact relationship with Fenn remains unclear, she is implicated in the fraudulent activities. The indictment outlines a series of charges against the three, with Samuel Green facing 13 federal charges, including wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, identity theft, and several counts of wire fraud and money laundering. Sharon Green faces nine charges, including one count of identity theft and several wire fraud and money laundering offenses. Fenn is charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy.
The U.S. Marshals arrested the three suspects on Thursday morning, and they were transported to Montgomery for their initial court appearance. They are set to appear before a federal magistrate in Montgomery on the same day.
Samuel Green, who was appointed as Brundidge’s police chief by the City Council in 2022, faces severe legal consequences if convicted. The charges carry potential sentences of up to 20 years in federal prison.
The case underscores the potential for abuse of federal relief programs during times of national crisis. Prosecutors are continuing their investigation into the fraudulent activities, and additional charges could follow.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the community in Brundidge and beyond is left grappling with the gravity of the situation and the breach of public trust by those in positions of authority.
