JACKSONVILLE, FL — Carnisha Rogers, 30, has pleaded guilty in a federal fraud case tied to a complex credit scheme that used stolen Social Security numbers, and also admitted to misusing COVID-era financial relief funds.
Rogers entered her plea on June 2, admitting guilt to three counts of an eight-count indictment: wire fraud, conspiracy, and false representation of a Social Security number. Together, the charges carry a maximum sentence of 45 years in prison, although sentences in related cases have been lighter.
In March, a co-conspirator, Crystal Harvell, was sentenced to two years in prison for similar conduct. Harvell and Rogers were both involved in a ring that gathered Social Security numbers to open fraudulent lines of credit at major retailers including Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, Walmart, Jared, and Kay Jewelers.
Rogers’ plea confirms her involvement in the scheme from 2017 through September 2019, during which she even attempted to co-purchase a vehicle using false Social Security information.
The plea agreement also ties Rogers to pandemic-related fraud. She illegally obtained a $20,832 Paycheck Protection Program loan, which she used for personal expenses rather than business purposes, according to court records.
Rogers agreed to repay restitution as part of a $131,782 debt shared with Harvell and other unnamed conspirators.
In a separate matter, Rogers faces state charges for organized fraud stemming from a Walmart self-checkout glitch scam. Authorities allege she exploited a register error to receive double refunds, netting about $21,000 in Florida and $1,500 in Georgia during a two-week period in July 2024.
Rogers had previously served prison time for burglary, and she claimed her felony record hindered employment opportunities, leading to her involvement in the fraud.
Sentencing in the federal case is pending, while a state court hearing is scheduled next week.