A Marrero resident has been sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty to making a false statement in connection with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that Linda Triggs, 74, was sentenced by United States District Judge Brandon S. Long on October 30, 2025.
Triggs had previously admitted to making false statements related to CARES Act relief. She faced a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. The court also ordered Triggs to pay $64,065 in restitution to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), complete 150 hours of community service, and pay a $100 special assessment fee.
The CARES Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020, providing emergency financial support for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). According to court documents, Triggs made false statements on behalf of a non-profit corporation she owned around April 18, 2021, securing approximately $64,065 in PPP loans from an approved lender.
"Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter." Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Reed led the prosecution.
For additional information on the Department of Justice’s efforts regarding COVID-19 fraud or to report suspected cases, individuals can visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus or contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or file complaints online at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
