New Bern mother and daughter convicted of defrauding COVID-19 housing program

RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) – Two New Bern family members have been convicted of defrauding a program designed to help North Carolina residents stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Takeeia Hawkins, 43, was sentenced to three years in prison, and her daughter, Shanasia Hawkins, 22, was sentenced to one year and three months in prison, both pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud earlier this year.

The Hawkins falsely claimed to be landlords whose tenants were unable to pay their rent due to the pandemic, submitting fraudulent applications to the NC HOPE program and receiving nearly $150,000 in federal funds, which they largely spent on gifts and games of chance.

“This case represents yet another example of greed preying on the needy,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “COVID-19 money was set aside to help struggling families pay their rent, and these defendants stole it. »

Several other family members and acquaintances, including Takeeia Hawkins' son Jmari Hawkins, 24, Jonell Ojeda, 23, and Tevin Evans, 26, have also pleaded guilty and are expected to be sentenced later this summer for attempting to defraud the NC HOPE program. of more than $850,000 and obtaining more than $250,000 in stolen funds.

The NC HOPE program provided emergency rental assistance to North Carolina tenants facing eviction and homelessness during the pandemic.

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