Two Men Plead Guilty in NC HOPE Program Fraud Case
Two men, Daquan Copeland and Esless White Sr., pleaded guilty to defrauding a state housing relief program, the NC HOPE program, of over $187,000 using fake tenant leases for properties in Lenoir County.
Greenville New Bern Washington, NC, October 29, 2026 —
Daquan Copeland and Esless White Sr. pleaded guilty to defrauding the NC HOPE program, a state housing relief program, of more than $187,000, according to the information provided.
The men used fake tenant leases for properties in Lenoir County to carry out the fraud, the summary states. It does not specify how many properties or leases were involved, or how the false documents were used to obtain program funds.
The information provided does not identify when the conduct occurred or when the guilty pleas were entered. It also does not state the specific charges, whether the pleas were entered in state or federal court, or whether either man is scheduled for sentencing.
No details were provided about the program’s response, how the alleged fraud was discovered, or whether any funds have been recovered. The summary also does not describe any penalties or other outcomes connected to the pleas.
The case involves the NC HOPE program and properties in Lenoir County. Beyond the stated amount of more than $187,000 and the use of fake tenant leases, additional circumstances were not provided. The information available confirms the guilty pleas but does not establish what happens next in the case.
Story summarized from the original created by WITN Web Team on www.witn.com, see more information here.
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