The Department of Justice announced on July 30 the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, with a mission to investigate and prosecute those who steal or misuse taxpayer dollars. The initiative supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President J.D. Vance, aiming to address fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.
United States Attorneys in Louisiana issued a joint statement emphasizing their commitment: “The cases highlighted include some of the most expansive and complex fraud cases that DOJ has investigated and prosecuted, and which emphasize the combined missions of the DOJ and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana to safeguard the nation’s coffers from fraudulent schemes. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute alleged perpetrators of fraud, hold them accountable, and seek justice for those directly impacted by fraud. It is the hardworking American taxpayer who ultimately bears the financial burden of fraud, waste and abuse,” said David I. Courcelle (Eastern District), Kurt L. Wall (Middle District), and Zachary A. Keller (Western District).
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said: “The Louisiana Department of Justice is proud to partner with our three U.S. Attorneys – David Courcelle, Kurt Wall, and Zachary Keller – to fight fraud… Since I assumed office, the LDOJ has secured more than 100 convictions and $73 million in court-ordered restitution… Under the leadership of the Trump administration… we are holding criminals accountable.” Secretary of State Nancy Landry said: “Louisiana’s business records should never become a tool for criminals… Collaboration like this strengthens public confidence…”
Among recent cases in Louisiana:
– In June 2026 in New Orleans’ Eastern District: Amanda Clayborne-Williams was charged with wire fraud after allegedly submitting fraudulent loan applications totaling about $1.3 million; Scharmaine Lawson Baker was sentenced for her role in a Medicare scheme resulting in over $12 million in fraudulent claims; Dr. Christopher Whipple was indicted on charges related to submitting nearly $6 million in false health care claims.
– In Baton Rouge’s Middle District: Four individuals were indicted for conspiracy involving embezzlement from Impact Charter School; Oscar Hills IV was convicted for PPP loan application fraud totaling over $835,000; Damian Raby received an 18-year sentence following conviction on charges related to pandemic-era tax credit schemes.
– In Western Louisiana: Jane Francis Pierce faces charges linked to filing false tax returns seeking nearly $10 million; Chandrakant Patel along with four co-defendants pled guilty after conspiring as part of a visa-related scheme using falsified reports; Mya Carter was indicted alongside nine others after an investigation into fraudulent SBA loans resulting in losses exceeding $260,000.
Angele Davis stated: “Louisiana is all in with President Trump and Vice President Vance… there is no seam left to hide in.” Michael Waguespack added thanks for DOJ partnership efforts combating regional fraud.