Calah Williams has been sentenced to three years in prison for defrauding federal programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 29-year-old from Port St. Lucie, Florida, was convicted after pleading guilty to charges of stealing funds intended for economic relief through the CARES Act.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan commented on the case, stating, "Williams stole from programs designed to help the public during a global crisis and now she will face the consequences." He emphasized the commitment of his office to hold individuals accountable for such fraudulent activities.
The investigation revealed that Williams submitted false applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, and unemployment insurance benefits. She used stolen personal information in her applications and provided misleading data about income and employment details. In total, she filed 42 EIDL applications, 16 PPP applications, and 177 fraudulent UI benefits claims, seeking nearly $4.9 million. Although much of her fraud was detected early on, she successfully obtained approximately $1 million.
Special Agent in Charge Scott Moffit noted the efforts of investigators and prosecutors: "The investigative efforts of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and its partners... demonstrate their commitment to pursuing... those who try to defraud the American people."
Williams's sentence includes three years of supervised release following her prison term and an order to pay restitution totaling $1,026,241. U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May handed down this sentence.
The U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration conducted the investigation with Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal prosecuting the case.
In response to widespread pandemic-related fraud attempts, a COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force was established by the Attorney General on May 17, 2021. This task force aims to enhance efforts against fraud by coordinating resources across government agencies.
Anyone with information about attempted COVID-19-related fraud can report it via phone or online through specified channels provided by the Department of Justice.
For more information or media inquiries related to this case or others within its jurisdiction, contact details are available through official channels provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.