HOUSTON — A group of 14 Texas residents and one Louisiana woman are facing federal charges for allegedly defrauding COVID-19 relief programs, the U.S. Department of Justice announced.
Fraudulent Loan and Unemployment Scheme
Ebone Myrriah Mott, 37, of Houston, is accused of orchestrating a scheme with 14 others to submit fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and unemployment insurance benefits. The DOJ claims Mott created fake businesses, fabricated records, and submitted false applications on behalf of her co-conspirators, who allegedly paid her for assistance—typically $200 upfront plus 10% of the payouts.
Mott is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 17 counts of wire fraud.
Co-Conspirators Facing Charges
The following individuals are also facing conspiracy and wire fraud charges:
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Brittany Garner-Richard, 38 (Humble)
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Miguel Bell, 39 (Port Arthur)
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Candace Booker, 33 (Beaumont)
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Andrea King, 33 (Beaumont)
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Joshe Johnson, 34 (Corrigan)
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Tiara Petties, 31 (Livingston)
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Jennifer Petties, 32 (Livingston)
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Kierra Patrice Chancey, 29 (Nacogdoches)
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Dekovan Williams, 28 (Nacogdoches)
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Roy Shemeaker, 38 (Dallas)
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Trakeesha Nishell Brown, 40 (Lufkin)
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Veronica Moses, 40 (Diboll)
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Travecia Hampton-Isabell, 37 (Whitehouse)
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Frankie Desiree Bogany, 33 (Vivian, Louisiana)
Potential Penalties
The PPP program, part of the CARES Act, was designed to provide financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. If convicted, each defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000
