A New York woman has been charged with fraudulently obtaining over $1,000,000, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna. Raena Fuller, 28, from Yaphank, New York, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark.
The charges stem from an alleged fraudulent application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The act was enacted in March 2020 to provide financial assistance to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2021, a fraudulent application resulted in approximately $1,200,000 being disbursed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). A business representative stated that they did not submit this application.
Fuller is also accused of involvement in other criminal activities related to fraudulent checks and receiving additional proceeds from these acts. Wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a fine that could be up to $250,000 or twice the gross profits or losses involved.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna acknowledged the efforts of special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Franklin Township Resident Agency and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation in Newark for their roles in leading to Fuller's arrest.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Counsel Andrew Kogan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark. It is important to note that all charges are accusations at this stage and Fuller is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Defense counsel for Fuller is A. Charles Peruto Jr., based in Philadelphia, PA.
