Freddie Ross, also known as Big Freedia, has just been hit with a felony. Ross was accused of stealing $1,000 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development between the years 2010 and 2014. She is facing the maximum prison term of 10 years and fine of $250,000.
Tim Kappel, Freedia’s attorney is trying to work out a deal of some sort where she can pay restitution of $34,000. Freedia says she has been receiving housing vouchers for years now. She says she did not really know how to handle her money.
“It wasn’t until recently (after I had stopped receiving housing vouchers) that it became very clear I had received assistance to which I wasn’t entitled. It was an oversight – but one that I take full responsibility for.”
Rappel says that Freddia will not only pay restitution but also contribute her services to nonprofit organizations focused on tax preparation for low-income citizens and also the LGBT youth.
Kappel says,
“We made an offer that included restitution plus community service as part of a pre-trial diversion program.”
That offer was “rejected by the government in favor of a felony count.”
Source: NOLA
