A Florida attorney, Shaquandra Woods, has been sentenced to 75 months in federal prison for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud related to a COVID-19 relief fund scheme. U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg stated, “Shaquandra Woods prolifically filed fraudulent applications for COVID-19 pandemic relief funds for herself and for others.” Woods was also ordered to pay $42,848 in restitution and serve three years of supervised release upon completion of her prison term.
The scheme involved Woods fabricating and submitting false documents to obtain funding from the Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loans program. Woods successfully obtained over $300,000 for herself through at least nine fraudulent applications. Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke of FBI Atlanta’s Savannah Resident Agency emphasized, “Woods will now pay the price for stealing pandemic relief funds that others needed to keep a business open or to keep a roof over their heads.”
Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Braithwaite of the SBA Office of Inspector General highlighted the importance of accountability in such cases, stating, “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that those who defraud SBA’s programs will be held accountable.” The investigation was a joint effort by the FBI and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan C. Grover and Former Senior Litigation Counsel Jenna G. Solari.
In response to this case, the FBI and SBA emphasized their commitment to pursuing justice in instances of fraud related to COVID-19 relief programs. The public is encouraged to report any suspected fraud involving COVID-19 by contacting the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or through the NCDF Web Complaint Form.
This sentencing serves as a reminder that individuals who exploit government resources for personal gain will face serious consequences, as the legal system works to ensure accountability and justice for the American taxpayer.