HOUSTON (FN) — A Texas woman who gained national attention in 2023 after claiming she was assaulted with a brick has been sentenced to 10 years of probation for theft related to a fraudulent GoFundMe campaign.
Roda Osman, widely known online as the “Brick Lady,” raised more than 42,000 Dollars through the crowdfunding platform after alleging she was attacked by a man for refusing to give him her phone number. The incident, captured in a viral video, sparked outrage and widespread support online.
However, prosecutors said surveillance footage and witness testimony contradicted Osman’s account. The video showed her initiating the confrontation and being struck with a plastic water bottle, not a brick. Investigators also revealed that Osman spent the donated funds on personal expenses, including trips to Jamaica and New York, spa treatments, luxury dining, and rideshare services.
During the trial, jurors were shown bank statements and social media posts that prosecutors argued demonstrated a pattern of deception. The jury deliberated for approximately two and a half hours before returning a guilty verdict.
Judge Dan Simons sentenced Osman to 10 years of probation, including 90 days in jail, mandatory substance abuse treatment, and a ban on social media use during her probation period. She was also ordered to repay the full amount raised through the campaign.
Osman reportedly became emotional during sentencing, at one point interrupting the proceedings and being told by the judge to remain calm. Her defense team has indicated plans to appeal the verdict, and a 50,000 Dollars appeal bond has been set.
The case has reignited debate over accountability in online fundraising and the influence of viral content on public perception. Legal experts say the verdict could set a precedent for how crowdfunding fraud is prosecuted in the digital age.
GoFundMe has since removed the campaign and issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to donor protection and fraud prevention.
