Matthew M. Graves U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia
Syreeta Price, a 51-year-old resident of Maryland, has pleaded guilty to first-degree fraud in DC Superior Court. She admitted to defrauding a Covid-19 tenant assistance program in Washington, D.C., obtaining over $20,000 despite not residing in the city. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., and District of Columbia Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas.
Judge Errol Arthur accepted Price's plea and scheduled her sentencing for April 8, 2025.
Court documents reveal that in 2021, Price submitted an application through a third party to the Stronger Together by Assisting You (STAY DC) program. This initiative was launched by the DC government to aid renters facing financial difficulties due to the pandemic. Although she lived in Maryland at the time, Price used an acquaintance's address in Southeast DC to falsely claim residency. Consequently, she received a check for $22,750 intended for unpaid rent at that address. Despite knowing her ineligibility for the program, Price cashed the check and deposited it into her personal bank account.
The case was investigated by the D.C. Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Micah Bluming.
