A former U.S. Department of Education employee has agreed to pay a settlement in connection with federal False Claims Act violation allegations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced on July 15.
Natayah Adams, 44, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, will pay the United States $161,248.30 to resolve allegations that she submitted false claims to obtain three Paycheck Protection Program loans.
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes announced the settlement along with Special Agent in Charge Jamila Davis from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General Eastern Regional Office.
According to the announcement, Adams submitted applications for three PPP loans in less than three months during 2021, each with a different lender and totaling $62,499.32 in funds received. The United States contends that Adams knowingly made material misrepresentations on her loan applications by falsely claiming her jewelry resale business brought in a gross income of $100,000 when she knew it was less than that amount. The statement further alleges that Adams did not use the loans for approved purposes but instead diverted funds for personal use and another business.
Hayes commended ED-OIG for its work investigating the case and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Shea for handling it. “The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability,” according to Hayes.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland serves nearly six million residents across Maryland; prosecutes federal crimes; handles civil cases on behalf of the United States; collects government debts; employs over 200 personnel across its divisions; is part of the U.S. Department of Justice; enhances quality of life through justice administration; and counts alumni in prominent government and judicial leadership roles, according to the official website.