Overview

• Dermisha Pickett, 33, admitted to creating fake messages to accuse her landlord of racial discrimination, leading to federal charges.
• The investigation revealed that the landlord, who owns over 100 properties, did not send the alleged discriminatory messages.
• Pickett's actions could have resulted in the revocation of the landlord's participation in HUD's Housing Choice Voucher program, displacing about 50 families.
• Making false statements to federal officers is punishable by up to five years in prison, underscoring the gravity of Pickett's offense.
• Authorities stress the importance of legitimate reports of discrimination, warning that false claims can undermine trust and deter victims from coming forward.