Houston “Brick Lady” Case Ends in Conviction for $42,000 GoFundMe Fraud

A Houston woman has been convicted for orchestrating a viral fundraising scam. Roda Osman, known online as the “brick lady,” was found guilty of theft after fabricating an assault story.

The court sentenced her to jail time and a lengthy probation. This case highlights the dangers of online donation scams.

Details of the Fabricated Assault and Fundraising

In September 2023, Osman claimed a man hit her with a brick. She said the attack occurred after she refused to give her phone number. Her story quickly went viral on social media.

She used this narrative to launch a GoFundMe campaign. The campaign raised over $42,000 from sympathetic donors. According to Reuters, the money was not used for medical bills.

Investigators discovered she spent the funds on luxury items. These included restaurant meals, spa visits, and travel. She took trips to New York City and Jamaica.

Legal Repercussions and Impact on the Accused

Surveillance footage ultimately exposed Osman’s story as false. The video showed she was the aggressor in the confrontation. She struck a man named Olan Douglas first.

Douglas suffered public backlash and death threats because of her lies. He expressed relief after the verdict was announced. He stated he was happy justice was served.

The court sentenced Osman to 90 days in jail. She also received 10 years of probation. Authorities ordered full restitution of the donated funds.

She is now under GPS monitoring and banned from social media. This prevents her from launching similar schemes in the future.

The Houston “brick lady” case serves as a stark warning about the potential for deception in online fundraising. It underscores the critical need for verification before donating to personal causes.

Thought you’d like to know

What was Roda Osman found guilty of?

She was found guilty of theft by deception. She falsely claimed she was a victim of a violent assault. This was done to solicit donations through a GoFundMe campaign.

How much money did the GoFundMe raise?

The online fundraiser collected over $42,000. Donors gave money believing it would help with her recovery from an alleged injury. The funds were instead spent on personal luxuries.

What happened to the man she accused?

Olan Douglas faced significant online harassment and threats. His name was wrongly associated with a violent crime. The court ruling has helped clear his name.

What was Roda Osman’s sentence?

She was sentenced to 90 days in county jail. She also received 10 years of probation. The judge also mandated full repayment of the stolen donations.

Was there any evidence against her claims?

Yes, surveillance video from the scene contradicted her story. The footage showed her initiating the physical altercation. This evidence was crucial for the prosecution’s case.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press, BBC News