By The Michigan Attorney General Press Release
LANSING – Yesterday, Mariah Davis, 34, of Southfield, pled guilty to submitting multiple fraudulent COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) applications to obtain nearly $100,000 in funds from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Davis pled as charged to False Pretenses – $50,000 or more but less than $100,000 and one count of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime.
The CERA program, administered by MSHDA, was designed to support Michigan residents struggling with rent and utilities due to pandemic-related financial hardships. MSHDA identified multiple fraudulent applications submitted by Davis and referred the matter to the Department of Attorney General. As part of the plea and delayed sentence agreement, Davis will pay full restitution of $98,282.20, $20,000 of which was paid at the time of the plea. If she pays the full restitution before the end of the delayed sentence, the Using a Computer to Commit a Crime charge will be dismissed.
“Emergency assistance programs like CERA are meant to support vulnerable families, and when those funds are fraudulently obtained, it siphons crucial funds away from Michigan residents,” said Attorney General Nessel. “I am proud of the collaboration between my office and MSDHA that continues to protect taxpayer dollars and prosecute those who abuse these critical resources.”
“MSHDA has a responsibility to protect the public funds entrusted to us and ensure they reach Michiganders who need them,” said Amy Hovey, MSHDA CEO and Executive Director. “Fraud takes resources away from the families and communities these programs are intended to serve. We take allegations of fraud seriously and appreciate the Attorney General’s work to hold those responsible accountable and recover these funds.”
The investigation and prosecution of this case was pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) executed between the Department of Attorney General and MSHDA to investigate and prosecute the fraudulent stealing of housing funds. The MOU is set to expire December 31, 2026, unless renewed by MSHDA.
Davis will be sentenced by Judge Wanda Stokes in the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County on October 7, 2027.
