Calah Williams has been sentenced to prison for defrauding government programs designed to provide relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Williams, from Port St. Lucie, Florida, was found guilty of stealing Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and unemployment insurance (UI) benefits that were made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
“Williams stole from programs designed to help the public during a global crisis and now she will face the consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. He emphasized the office’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for defrauding the CARES Act program.
Special Agent in Charge Scott Moffit noted, “The investigative efforts of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and its partners, combined with the prosecutorial efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, demonstrate their commitment to pursuing, capturing, and prosecuting those who try to defraud the American people.”
U.S. Attorney Buchanan explained that Williams defrauded multiple agencies by filing fraudulent applications using stolen personally identifying information. These applications included false income numbers, employee details, and applicant information. Williams submitted 42 EIDL applications, 16 PPP applications, and 177 UI benefits applications seeking approximately $4,879,641. Although much of her fraud was detected early on, she managed to obtain about $1,026,241.
Williams was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May to three years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. She is also required to pay restitution amounting to $1,026,241 after pleading guilty on July 31, 2024.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal.
In response to pandemic-related frauds like this one, a COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force was established on May 17, 2021. This task force coordinates resources across various government agencies to combat fraud related to relief programs.
Information regarding attempted COVID-19 fraud can be reported via the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline or through their web complaint form.
For further details or inquiries contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.
