Southfield Woman to Stand Trial for Allegedly Submitting Fraudulent CERA Applications Worth Nearly $100,000

LANSING – Today, Mariah Davis, 33, of Southfield, waived preliminary examination and was bound over to stand trial in 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County for allegedly submitting at least six fraudulent COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) applications to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Davis was charged in July with one count of False Pretenses - $50,000 or more but less than $100,000, a 15-year felony, and one count of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, a 10-year felony.   

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 allegedly fraudulent applications submitted by Davis and referred the matter to the Department of Attorney General. Davis reportedly received $98,282.20 in CERA funds.   

“Fraudulent activity diverts resources away from those who truly need them, and I am relieved to see this matter is advancing through the judicial process,” Nessel said. “My office will continue working with MSHDA to safeguard programs that support Michigan families and protect taxpayer funds.” 

“Instances of fraud are rare, but we don’t let them go unchecked,” said Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director of MSHDA. “Every dollar we have is critical to solving Michigan’s housing crisis. Anyone who attempts to divert those resources is stealing from the state’s most vulnerable residents, and we will continue to pursue these cases and hold offenders accountable as they move through the justice system.” 

Davis’s Circuit Court Arraignment is scheduled for October 29 in the 30th Circuit Court.