Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
Fourteen Texans and one woman from Louisiana face federal charges in connection with schemes to defraud government aid programs, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. These individuals have been accused of using falsified documents to improperly obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and unemployment insurance benefits.
The recently arrested suspects are set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Dena Hanovice Palermo. These include Brittany Garner-Richard from Humble, Miguel Bell from Port Arthur, Candace Booker and Andrea King both from Beaumont, and Joshe Johnson from Corrigan.
On March 4, a federal grand jury returned an 18-count indictment. They charged Ebone Myrriah Mott from Houston and others with conspiracy and wire fraud for allegedly falsifying applications and claims to secure financial aid. According to charges, Mott fabricated records, created fictitious companies, and submitted fraudulent applications on behalf of her alleged co-conspirators, earning approximately $200 upfront and 10% of the payouts for her services.
The Small Business Administration unknowingly processed these falsified documents, leading to the disbursement of funds as part of the PPP, a program instituted by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This federal law, enacted in March 2020, provides emergency financial support to those impacted economically by the COVID-19 pandemic. Unemployment insurance offers aid to those unemployed through no fault of their own who meet the state's requirements.
The indictment also includes others who were detained recently. These include Tiara Petties and Jennifer Petties from Livingston, Kierra Patrice Chancey and Dekovan Williams from Nacogdoches, Roy Shemeaker from Dallas, Trakeesha Nishell Brown from Lufkin, Veronica Moses from Diboll, Travecia Hampton-Isabell from Whitehouse, and Frankie Desiree Bogany from Vivian, Louisiana.
If convicted, each could receive up to 20 years in federal prison and face a maximum fine of $250,000. The Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service, Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General, and California Employment Development Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Day is handling the case.
It’s important to note that an indictment is a formal charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty through due legal processes.
