Ebone Myrriah Mott, 37, worked with 14 others to make fake applications to qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program and unemployment insurance, the DOJ said.
HOUSTON — Fourteen Texas residents and one Louisiana woman are facing federal charges for participating in schemes to get COVID-19-related loans and unemployment insurance benefits.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Ebone Myrriah Mott, 37, of Houst on, worked with 14 others to make fake claims and applications to qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program and unemployment insurance benefits. Otherwise, they would not be eligible for these benefits.
She made fake companies, prepared falsified records and submitted the applications on behalf of co-conspirators. Those who helped allegedly paid her for her assistance, such as $200 up front and 10% of the payouts, the DOJ said.
Mott is facing one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 17 counts of wire fraud.
Those allegedly involved with Mott face conspiracy and one or two counts of wire fraud and include:
- Brittany Garner-Richard, 38, of Humble
- Miguel Bell, 39, Port Arthur
- Candace Booker, 33, of Beaumont
- Andrea King, 33, of Beaumont
- Joshe Johnson, 34, Corrigan
- Tiara Petties, 31, of Livingston
- Jennifer Petties, 32, of Livingston
- Kierra Patrice Chancey, 29, of Nacogdoches
- Dekovan Williams, 28, of Nacogdoches
- Roy Shemeaker, 38, of Dallas
- Trakeesha Nishell Brown, 40, of Lufkin
- Veronica Moses, 40, of Diboll
- Travecia Hampton-Isabell, 37, of Whitehouse
- Frankie Desiree Bogany 33, of Vivian, Louisiana
The PPP loans are a form of financial relief that are a part of The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
If convicted, these 15 people each face up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
