Capitol News

Mariah Davis, a 33-year-old resident of Southfield, has been ordered to stand trial in the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County after waiving her preliminary examination. Davis faces charges for allegedly submitting at least six fraudulent COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) applications to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), according to an announcement from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Davis was charged in July with one count of False Pretenses involving amounts between $50,000 and $100,000—a felony carrying a potential 15-year sentence—and one count of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, which carries up to 10 years in prison. Authorities allege Davis received $98,282.20 in CERA funds through these applications.

The CERA program was established by MSHDA to help Michigan residents facing financial hardship with rent and utilities during the pandemic. MSHDA identified multiple allegedly fraudulent applications submitted by Davis and referred the case to the Department of Attorney General for further action.

“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.”

Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director of MSHDA, commented on the situation: “Instances of fraud are rare, but we don’t let them go unchecked. 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 arraignment in Circuit Court is scheduled for October 29.

It is important to note that criminal charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos.