Jason M. Frierson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada
A Las Vegas resident, Kelly Ann Mogavero, has admitted to defrauding federal COVID-19 relief programs of over $137,000. The 55-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and is scheduled for sentencing on May 21, 2025, before United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva.
Special Agent-in-Charge Quentin Heiden from the U.S. Department of Labor stated: “Kelly Mogavero, a convicted felon recently released from prison, fraudulently collected unemployment insurance (UI) benefits intended for American workers who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Heiden emphasized the importance of collaboration with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada and other law enforcement partners in maintaining UI system integrity.
Court documents reveal that between June 3, 2020, and June 23, 2001, Mogavero executed a scheme targeting Nevada's Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR), Arizona's Department of Economic Security (DES), and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Her fraudulent activities included filing false unemployment claims in Nevada and Arizona and submitting deceptive applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. Mogavero falsely claimed ownership of non-existent companies with fabricated revenue figures and employee numbers.
Mogavero was previously convicted in October 2016 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Nevada. She served a 46-month sentence followed by five years under supervision.
Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami announced the case alongside Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans from the FBI Las Vegas Division and Special Agent-in-Charge Quentin Heiden from DOL-OIG.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the FBI, DOL-OIG, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General Office of Investigations - COVID Fraud Unit, SBA's Office of Inspector General, and others. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Frayn is handling prosecution duties.
The Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force on May 17, 2021. This initiative aims to enhance efforts against pandemic-related fraud through cooperation among various government entities.
For more information about combating pandemic-related fraud or to report suspected fraud cases involving COVID-19 relief funds, individuals can contact the Department of Justice's National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline or submit details via their web complaint form.
