Ex-Congresswoman accused of living large on charity funds

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Testimony is to continue in the fraud trial of Corrine Brown after prosecutors told jurors the former congresswoman from Florida financed a lavish lifestyle of Beverly Hills shopping trips and fancy parties on donations to a charity ostensibly set up to help poor kids with scholarships.

Brown has pleaded not guilty to fraud and conspiracy charges. Her attorney James Smith says she was duped by her former chief of staff, Elias “Ronnie” Simmons.

But federal prosecutors say her Virginia-based One Door for Education Foundation raised $800,000 in donations, but only awarded one scholarship for $1,200.

According to the indictment, Brown and others spent the money on personal items including the use of luxury boxes for a Beyonce concert.

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