Newark, NJ – Raena Fuller, a 28-year-old woman from Yaphank, New York, has been charged with wire fraud after allegedly obtaining over $1.2 million through fraudulent means, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna.
Fuller made her initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark earlier today.
The criminal complaint alleges that Fuller fraudulently acquired funds via the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The EIDL program was designed to offer financial relief to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the Small Business Administration (SBA).
In September 2021, an EIDL loan application was submitted on behalf of a business. However, a representative of that business later confirmed that they had not made such an application. Despite this, the SBA approved the request, providing around $1.2 million in funding. Authorities claim that Fuller ultimately received a portion of the funds.
Additionally, investigators allege that Fuller was involved in other fraudulent financial activities, including fraudulent checks, from which she profited further.
Wire fraud charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000, or twice the gross profits or financial losses incurred by the victims.
The investigation into Fuller’s activities was led by FBI special agents from the Franklin Township Resident Agency, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, and IRS-CI special agents under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Counsel Andrew Kogan from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
Authorities remind the public that the charges against Fuller are allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
