Reports

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury has charged two Central Ohio women with crimes related to fraudulently receiving more than $2.8 million total in covid-relief funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Edna McGowan-Baker fraudulently applied for Paycheck Protection Program loans for five different companies.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BASHIR SCHOFIELD (SCHOFIELD), age 24, a resident of LaPlace, La., was sentenced on March 5, 2024 by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to 4 years’ probation, after previously pleading guilty to wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. SCHOFIELD participated in the preparation and filing of false applications for loans related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). SCHOFIELD was also ordered to pay $282,650 in restitution, jointly and severally, with two relatives...

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A California resident pleaded guilty today to aiding and abetting wire fraud, which led to defrauding the federal government of approximately $114,066 in unemployment benefits during COVID-19, while he was living and working in Utah. He also admitted to aiding and abetting others to fraudulently apply and pay him as compensation.

U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that James Okolo, 61, of West Orange, New Jersey, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, was sentenced to 12 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Regina Brand was also ordered to repay the money.

SAN DIEGO – David Constantin, alleged mastermind of a scheme to steal more than $5 million in California unemployment benefits intended to help workers affected by the pandemic, appeared in federal court today following his extradition Monday to the United States from Romania.