LANSING – Mariah Davis, 33, of Southfield, was arraigned on Wednesday 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 faces 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.   

“MSHDA programs are intended to help those truly in need,” Nessel said. “Exploiting these resources diverts critical assistance away from vulnerable residents in our community. I appreciate MSHDA for referring this matter to my office. We will continue working with them to safeguard public funds.” 

“While fraud and abuse are rare, we take every instance seriously,” said Amy Hovey, CEO & Executive Director of MSHDA. “We need every dollar we can get to help solve the housing shortage in our state. Anyone defrauding our programs is stealing from Michigan’s most vulnerable families, and we will unearth those crimes and make sure the perpetrators are held accountable.” 

Davis was arraigned in the 54A District Court in Lansing before Judge Cynthia M. Ward and given a $7,500 personal recognizance bond. She will next appear in the 54A District Court on August 1 at 2:30 pm in front of Judge Stacia Buchanan.