Council Member Farah Louis, sister make first public appearance since federal investigation revealed
The sisters have not made any public comment since the AP first reported they were named in a federal warrant seeking information about whether they, and a third person, received benefits in exchange for actions taken on behalf of BHRAGS Home Care Inc., a Brooklyn-based nonprofit.
Council Member Farah Louis and her sister Debbie Louis appeared publicly for the first time Thursday since the Associated Press revealed last month that federal investigators are looking into the potential misuse of city funds tied to a Brooklyn-based homeless shelter provider.
The two stood alongside a small group of church leaders at Nostrand Playground in East Flatbush but declined to answer questions from reporters.
The sisters have not made any public comment since the AP first reported they were named in a federal warrant seeking information about whether they, and a third person, received benefits in exchange for actions taken on behalf of BHRAGS Home Care Inc., a Brooklyn-based nonprofit.
Politico also reported that federal agents raided both sisters' homes last month.
Four men have been arrested in connection with the investigation.
The sisters have not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Thursday's gathering was organized by church leaders in support of the Louis sisters. Bishop Orlando Findlayter said the family is going through a difficult time.
"They're going through a storm," Findlayter said. "It's traumatic, even from how they came and broke in to their home."
Leaders urged the community not to rush to judgment.
"In the United States, a person is innocent until proven guilty," he said. "Let the process play itself out."
Supporters used the opportunity to highlight the sisters' contributions to the community.
They credited Council Member Louis with securing more than $140 million to build the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center, and Debbie Louis with playing a behind-the-scenes role in a $1.1 billion state investment to save SUNY Downstate Hospital.
The sisters prayed with clergy members but left without addressing reporters.
