Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the filing of a criminal complaint against Carolina Amesty, a 30-year-old resident of Windermere. She faces two counts of theft of government property related to COVID relief fraud. Each count could result in a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation into this case is being conducted by the U.S. Small Business Administration–Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution will be handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Testerman and Diane Hu.
In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. This task force works with various government agencies to investigate and prosecute domestic and international criminal actors involved in such frauds. It also aids agencies administering relief programs by improving coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques for uncovering fraudulent schemes, and sharing insights from previous enforcement efforts.
For those with information about attempted fraud involving COVID-19, reports can be made through the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline or via their web complaint form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.