A Jefferson Parish resident has been indicted on charges of fraud and identity theft. Jelissa Lacour, 36, was charged with two counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft, according to an announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
The indictment accuses Lacour of obtaining multiple Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans using falsified tax forms. Additionally, it alleges that she secured Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds in the names of various purported renters. In some cases, the applications for PPP and ERAP were reportedly for accomplices intending to benefit from the fraudulent activity, while in others, Lacour allegedly misused identities to secure payments.
If found guilty, Lacour could face up to 20 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for each wire fraud charge. Each count of aggravated identity theft carries a potential sentence of two years in prison followed by one year of supervised release. The charges are also subject to fines up to $250,000 and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson emphasized that the indictment is merely a formal accusation and that guilt must be established beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorney Chandra Menon from the Public Integrity Unit is handling the prosecution.
