Calah Williams, 29, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, was sentenced for her role in stealing millions of dollars in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, and unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Williams was found to have submitted dozens of fraudulent applications, seeking approximately $4.88 million in government relief funds, though she successfully obtained about $1.03 million.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Williams submitted a staggering 42 EIDL applications, 16 PPP applications, and 177 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims. The fraudulent applications contained stolen personal identifying information and included false details such as inflated income, fabricated employee numbers, and falsified names. These actions defrauded multiple government agencies, including the Small Business Administration and 10 state agencies responsible for unemployment insurance.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized the severity of the offense, stating, “Williams stole from programs designed to help the public during a global crisis and now she will face the consequences.” This prosecution demonstrates a continued commitment to holding individuals accountable for defrauding the CARES Act programs put in place to aid Americans during the pandemic.
The fraud was mostly detected and prevented, but Williams managed to steal over $1 million before the authorities intervened. U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May also ordered Williams to pay full restitution of the $1.03 million she had fraudulently obtained.
Special Agent in Charge Scott Moffit of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration commented on the case, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigations: “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.”
Williams’ sentence serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to ensure accountability for those who exploited relief programs designed to provide financial assistance during the global health crisis.