HOUSTON – A Houston City Councilman, pictured on social media with a nonprofit CEO now accused of fraud, tells KPRC 2 News his office is suspending engagement with the organization that feeds the homeless in downtown Houston.
KPRC 2 News first reported on the arrest of Rosemary Tucker on Monday. She leads Hoodies 4 Healing, a nonprofit that appears to raise money through sweatshirt sales to fund weekly homeless feeds.
District J Councilman Edward Pollard said no public dollars from his office went to Tucker’s nonprofit, but his office has “suspended any formal engagement with the organization and is reviewing all related matters.”
Tucker, whose real estate license has been suspended since 2018 according to state records, is accused of running a rental fraud scheme with licensed realtor Michael Okokhere. The pair allegedly used a stolen identity to lease homes, then re-leased the homes to tenants and collected rent payments.
Both were arrested after a monthslong Houston Police Department Major Offenders Division investigation last week and have since been released on bond.
Tucker, who has nearly 100,000 Facebook followers, posts regular videos of the homeless feeding events and has shared several photos on social media with various elected leaders.
“The recent allegations against the organization’s leadership are deeply concerning. We believe in due process and will allow the legal system to determine the facts,” Pollard told KPRC 2 News in a statement. “We recognize that many volunteers and community partners involved in feeding the homeless acted in good faith, and we do not want their service to be overshadowed by the actions of a few. Our commitment to serving Houston’s homeless population remains unwavering, and we will continue to work with reputable partners to ensure that mission stays on course.”
Congressman Al Green, who is also pictured with Tucker on Facebook, told KPRC 2 News by phone on Tuesday he doesn’t know Tucker, isn’t familiar with her nonprofit, and is surprised something like this hasn’t happened to him sooner considering how many photos he takes with people every week.
So far, Houston Police investigators have not established a direct link that shows fraudulently earned real estate money was connected to the nonprofit, but the investigation continues.
According to an arrest warrant, some of the fraudulently earned money may have funded bills for Tucker’s Christian apparel company, car loans, and personal gym dues.
Tucker’s attorney told KPRC 2 News she looks forward to fighting the case in court.