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Former D.C. Council Chairman Kwame “Fully Loaded” Brown just pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, a federal felony.
After a quick court hearing, Brown gave a statement to reporters outside the E. Barrett Prettyman federal courthouse, where he stressed his love for the District, his regret for his wrongdoing, his innocence against allegations of stealing public or campaign funds, and his not-so-slight annoyance with prosecutors for picking on him.
“I am guilty of knowing that poll workers and others received more than $50 in cash payments for doing campaign work, which is and has been done in this city for years,” Brown said, referring to city law that caps campaign payments at $50. “I believe I’m the … only candidate who has ever been charged—with a misdemeanor.”
Brown’s due in D.C. Superior Court shortly to plead guilty to that misdemeanor charge. Newly released court records show the feds popped Brown on the bank fraud because Brown had submitted false income statements when applying for a loan. Brown inflated his income, forged a signature, and changed a 3 to an 8 on two different loan applications. One of the loans was in 2007 for $56,000, with which Brown bought the infamous “Bullet Proof” powerboat.
Brown signed his plea deal on Wednesday, the day he resigned, court records show.
In his statement, Brown choked up at one point while apologizing to his friends and family. He then said he was now taking his “first steps” on the path of redemption.
“Today I hold my head high,” Brown said. “Not because of any pride that I may have in my heart. But it’s because I’m in God’s hands, and God is able. Thank you, I will be taking no questions.”
He’ll be sentenced on Sept. 20.
Read the statement of facts prosecutors filed below:
[scribd id=96430118 key=key-llxx6y2y6uam11qdtak mode=list]
Photo by Darrow Montgomery (slideshow here)