PHILADELPHIA—Erica N. Brown, 38, of Glenolden, PA, was charged today by indictment with theft from a program receiving federal funds, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Brown was Chief Operating Officer at SELF, Inc., a non-profit organization in Philadelphia whose mission is to help the homeless. From approximately 2005 through 2010, Brown used her corporate American Express credit card at SELF to charge approximately $198,628 of personal expenses. Brown reimbursed a total of $4,866 before her employment was terminated.

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison, a three-year period of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen L. Grigsby.

An Indictment or Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.