In a major federal crackdown, fourteen people from Texas and one woman from Louisiana have been charged with fraudulently applying for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and unemployment benefits, according to a recent announcement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.
Who Are the Accused?
Federal authorities confirmed that the last five of the 15 suspects were arrested recently and will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo.
The most recent individuals taken into custody include:
- Brittany Garner-Richard, 38, from Humble, TX
- Miguel Bell, 39, from Port Arthur, TX
- Candace Booker, 33, from Beaumont, TX
- Andrea King, 33, from Beaumont, TX
- Joshe Johnson, 34, from Corrigan, TX
Alleged Leader of the Fraud
According to prosecutors, Ebone Myrriah Mott, 37, from Houston, orchestrated the entire scheme. She is accused of:
- Creating fake companies
- Falsifying documents
- Submitting fake PPP loan and unemployment benefit applications on behalf of others
Mott reportedly charged $200 upfront plus 10% of the total payout for every successful fraudulent application.
Charges Filed
Mott is facing serious legal trouble. She has been charged with:
- 1 count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud
- 17 counts of wire fraud
The remaining individuals face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one or two additional counts of wire fraud each.
Other Accused in the Case
The arrests happened between March 23 and 26. Here are the other people charged:
- Tiara Petties, 31, from Livingston, TX
- Jennifer Petties, 32, from Livingston, TX
- Kierra Patrice Chancey, 29, from Nacogdoches, TX
- Dekovan Williams, 28, from Nacogdoches, TX
- Roy Shemeaker, 38, from Dallas, TX
- Trakeesha Nishell Brown, 40, from Lufkin, TX
- Veronica Moses, 40, from Diboll, TX
- Travecia Hampton-Isabell, 37, from Whitehouse, TX
- Frankie Desiree Bogany, 33, from Vivian, Louisiana
What Happens If They Are Found Guilty?
Each defendant, if convicted, could face:
- Up to 20 years in federal prison
- A maximum fine of $250,000
This case highlights how COVID-19 financial relief programs like PPP loans were misused by individuals looking to make quick money using fake companies and false documents. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is continuing to investigate and crack down on such fraud cases across the country.