Washington, DC – Interim Attorney General Peter J. Nickles today announced the conviction of Charles M. Brown, a former employee of the District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DCHS). Brown was involved in a conspiracy with another employee to steal public assistance funds in 2004 and 2005. After an investigation by DHS and the Office of the Inspector General, DHS referred the case to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for prosecution in 2006.

“This case shows the serious consequences of abusing the public trust,” Nickles said. “Welfare funds are designated to help the District’s most vulnerable residents, not to line the pockets of government workers. I want to thank all of the agencies involved for their cooperation in putting this together.”

OAG prosecutors conducted a two-week jury trial, at the end of which the jury convicted Brown unanimously on all 11 criminal charges, including identity theft, conspiracy, unlawful food stamp usage and fraud in obtaining public assistance.  Mr. Brown, who worked at the Fort Davis Service Center on Alabama Ave. SE, faces up to nine years in jail and up to $500,000 in fines.