Corrine Brown ready to tell her story in federal court this week

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Former Rep. Corrine Brown said she’s more than ready to take the stand and testify in her trial.

Jury selection begins Monday in a Jacksonville courtroom.

Brown is accused of setting up a charity, One Door for Education, and using the money for her lavish personal expenses and trips, investigators said.

Investigators said they found no evidence the charity gave away scholarships to anyone on a regular basis.

Brown said during church Sunday that the charges are part of a conspiracy against her.

“I have spent my entire life working to make my community and my country better. And I can’t wait to get inside the courtroom to tell my story,” Brown said.

Prosecutors believe the defense is trying to get Brown’s daughter, Shantrel Brown, to testify. She planned events for her mother using the charity funds, attorneys said.

The judge denied a motion from Shantrel Brown’s attorney to keep her from testifying.

Corrine Brown wouldn’t discuss the allegations specifically Sunday, but she said the last 15 months have been hell and that she’s eager for her day in court.

“When you're going through something like this, you find out who your friends are, and I do still have a lot of friends,” Brown said.

Brown’s attorney said they’ll focus on her longtime chief of staff, Ronnie Simmons. He pleaded guilty in February to two fraud conspiracy charge. Simmons admitted he helped create the fake charity and used the money for personal gain. He also admitted hiring a family member for a shell job in Brown’s administration. He has agreed to testify in Brown’s trial.

Simmon’s ex-girlfriend, Carla Wiley, has already pleaded guilty in her role in the fraud case and is also expected to testify against Brown.

If convicted, Brown could spend the rest of her life in prison.

Brown served part of Central Florida for more than 20 years but lost her bid for re-election last November.

Cox Media Group