Suspended Jacksonville City Council members Katrina Brown and Reginald Brown, both facing federal fraud charges, appeared in federal court Thursday.
At the hearing, Katrina Brown asked for more time to create a financial plan to pay her attorney, while Reginald Brown asked the court to appoint counsel to represent him.
Their appearance at a status hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge James Klindt was the first since May 31, when a 38-count federal grand jury indictment was unsealed. The Browns are not related.
Curtis Fallgatter, the attorney for Katrina Brown, asked Klindt for a two-week extension, claiming she and her family were working on a financial plan to “consummate” his firm’s retention.
“I think it’s a very valid plan, but we need more time,” Fallgatter said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida A. Tysen Duva said the government could not support the extension.
“The government’s concern is that we’ll be in the same situation in two weeks,” Duva said. He noted that “most people hire a lawyer in a day or two.”
Fallgatter said a member of Katrina Brown’s family had been dealing with a health issue, citing it as a reason she needed more time to put together a financial plan.
“I think the best thing to do is to set this for some time next week and to see if some progress was made,” Klindt said.
Meanwhile, Reginald Brown informed the court that he was no longer able to retain attorney M. Alan Ceballos, who appeared with him Thursday.
Reginald Brown requested an appointed counsel from the court, citing his financial inability to secure his own attorney.
A June 12 financial affidavit signed by Reginald Brown shows his only monthly income is from the U.S. Army Reserve. Because he is suspended, he is not receiving a salary for being a council member. Council members earn $49,000 annually.
Reginald Brown’s assets include three vehicles, a paid-off home in Jacksonville and $2,000 cash in his bank account.
Klindt said he did not believe Reginald Brown would be able to afford an attorney, even if he were to secure a second mortgage on his home.
“I find it highly improbable that a lending institution would lend you the money,” he said.
Klindt said he would appoint an attorney by Monday and required Brown to deposit $1,000 into the registry of the court to pay for billable fees.
“If you do become employed during that time, I will consider requiring you make another deposit into the registry,” said Klindt, although he said that was unlikely.
Reginald Brown will appear alongside Katrina Brown for a status hearing at 2 p.m. June 21 at the Bryan Simpson U.S. Courthouse in Downtown Jacksonville.
They also may be formerly arraigned.
Katrina Brown represents District 8 on council, and Reginald Brown represents District 10.
Both have been suspended without pay by Gov. Rick Scott, who is reviewing applications for those interested in filling their roles temporarily.
Federal prosecutors contend the pair illegally profited from local grants and loans as well as a federal loan in connection with a failed barbecue sauce plant in Northwest Jacksonville owned by Katrina Brown and her family.
Katrina Brown, 38, is accused of 38 counts that include conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, aiding and abetting mail and wire fraud, and aiding and abetting money laundering. She also is accused of making false statements to a federally insured financial institution.
If convicted on all charges she faces a $12.25 million fine and up to 720 years in federal prison.
Reginald Brown, 56, faces 33 charges that include conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, aiding and abetting mail and wire fraud, aiding and abetting money laundering, and failing to file taxes in 2014.
He faces a $8.275 million fine and up 601 years in federal prison.
A tentative trial date has been set for Aug. 6.