Alabama woman pleads guilty to defrauding pandemic relief fund out of $2 million

2024-12-25 09:15:46 source:lotradecoin tools category:Contact

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama woman has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud and money laundering charges for fraudulently claiming nearly $2 million in pandemic relief funds.

Tametria Conner Dantzler, 39, entered the plea Wednesday. She could get up to 20 years in prison when she’s sentenced.

According to her plea agreement and court records, Dantzler falsely reported that companies she created qualified for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, a federal initiative created in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to American businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Government fraud is not a victimless crime,” said Jonathan Ross, the federal prosecutor on the case. “A financial loss to the United States is a loss to the U.S. taxpayer.”

Dantzler is the head of the D.A.T.S.M.O.M., a nonprofit whose name stands for Disability as an Ability Toward Success: Moms on the Move. The organization says on its website that it offers free resources, including scholarships, to families with children with autism.

According to prosecutors, Dantzler personally received nearly $927,338 in pandemic funds that she used to buy a house and pay off her husband’s car, among other things. She also helped others receive $1,049,864 in funds in exchange for fees or fabricated payroll checks. Prosecutors didn’t say whether those other people would face charges.

An Associated Press investigation determined that more than $280 billion in COVID-19 relief funding may have been stolen nationwide.

More:Contact

Recommend

Chiquis comes from Latin pop royalty. How the regional Mexican star found her own crown

Diamonds are made under pressure, and Chiquis is ready to sparkle.The Mexican American singer-songwr

AEW All In 2024: Live results, match grades, card, highlights for London PPV

Bryan Danielson is going all in at All In."The American Dragon's" storied career is seemingly reachi

Nevada men face trial for allegedly damaging ancient rock formations at Lake Mead recreation area

LAS VEGAS (AP) — An Oct. 8 trial date has been set for two Nevada men accused of damaging rock forma