Two Plead Guilty in NC Rental Aid Fraud
Daquan Copeland and Esless White admitted to a conspiracy that defrauded North Carolina's HOPE pandemic rental assistance program.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Apartments
Live Poll
Should people who defraud taxpayer-funded aid programs face prosecution?
Two people pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to defraud North Carolina's HOPE rental assistance program. Federal prosecutors say the scheme stole more than $187,000 in pandemic rental aid in Lenoir County.
Why it matters
The HOPE program was designed to help residents pay rent and avoid eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic, so fraud against it diverts funds from tenants who needed them. The case shows how fake leases were used to support applications for housing aid across North Carolina.
Copeland and White have pleaded guilty in federal court and are awaiting sentencing. Prosecutors say the group submitted 23 fraudulent applications and used the money for personal expenses.
The players
HOPE Program
The Helping Outdoors Pandemic Emergency rental assistance program was run by North Carolina to help residents pay rent and avoid eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The details
The defendants submitted fake rental leases for several Lenoir County properties to support fraudulent HOPE applications. Prosecutors say the group used the stolen funds for personal expenses rather than rent.
Timeline
- November 2020 to December 2021: The group submitted 23 fraudulent HOPE applications.
- November 2, 2026: Copeland and White pleaded guilty in federal court.
Housing Aid Oversight
The HOPE program, funded to keep North Carolina tenants housed during the pandemic, has now produced federal fraud convictions tied to fabricated leases in Lenoir County. These cases show how pandemic-era rental aid remains subject to prosecution years after the funds were disbursed.
Renters who applied for pandemic aid through legitimate channels may see stricter verification of leases in future assistance programs. Landlords and tenants in Lenoir County should expect continued scrutiny of rental documentation tied to HOPE-era applications.
The takeaway
Pandemic rental aid remains under federal review, so tenants and landlords should keep records of leases and payments in case they are requested. Verifying lease documents before applying for assistance helps protect eligible renters from delays.
Further reading
For more on rental housing rules and tenant protections, see Apartments on Wisevoter.
Live Poll
Should people who defraud taxpayer-funded aid programs face prosecution?
