Dominique J. Stanberry, a 33-year-old resident of Pensacola, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 22 for two counts of wire fraud related to Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program funds. United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Stanberry appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon in Pensacola for her arraignment. A jury trial is set for May 18 before United States District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell II. If convicted, Stanberry could face up to 20 years in prison for each count.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alicia H. Forbes and Thomas S.P. Geeker following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General.
Heekin said, "An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial." The Department of Justice has created the National Fraud Enforcement Division with the goal "to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars." Department efforts support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida advances community safety and quality of life by upholding the rule of law and protecting civil rights across northern Florida, according to the official website. The office operates from facilities in U.S courthouses located in Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Gainesville according to its official website. As part of the United States Department of Justice according to its official website, it enforces federal laws, defends national security, protects civil rights and secures public funds according to its official website.
Covering 23 counties including Tallahassee and much of Florida's Panhandle region according to its official website, the office collaborates with other agencies through initiatives such as Project Safe Childhood and Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee according to its official website. It prosecutes criminal violations while also handling civil litigation on behalf of the United States within these counties according to its official website.
