Big Freedia Granted Probation In Welfare Fraud Case Big Freedia narrowly missed bouncing to the big house over Section 8 fraud. After months of drug rehab for marijuana and even a stint in a halfway home over probation violation, it wasn’t looking too good for the Queen of Bounce. However, the judge has ruled that the bounce star will only serve three years’ probation and pay a $35,000 fine. Via New Orleans Advocate : Africk placed the entertainer on probation for three years, ordered her to pay a $35,000 fine and warned Big Freedia, 38, to avoid a relapse into substance abuse. “Please do not mistake kindness for weakness,” the judge said. “You have the advantage of not only keeping yourself healthy and unaddicted but also acting as a role model for others.” Big Freedia, whose real name is Freddie Ross Jr., pleaded guilty in March to stealing nearly $35,000 in federal housing voucher money, admitting to fraudulently accepting Section 8 vouchers over a period of several years. In her first bid for Section 8 assistance, in March 2009, she listed a monthly income of between $100 and $1,000 and no additional assets. Even after she had become a star, propelled to fame by her reality TV show, she claimed to have earned just $12,000 in 2014 and to have only $250 in the bank. In fact, federal authorities said, Big Freedia had been earning money from performances and merchandising, in addition to her reality show. Among other accomplishments, she has starred in five seasons of the Fuse digital cable and satellite channel’s show “Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce.” Good for Freedia! She can keep the crowds twerking after all.
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Freedia’s Staying Free!! Big Freedia Avoids Prison Time In Section 8 Fraud Case
