A California caterer is facing a slew of charges for allegedly swindling the government out of $4 million in COVID-relief funds intended to help struggling businesses during the pandemic. Monterey's own Dory Lindsay Ford, 57, was hit with an indictment including bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering charges, as announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

With a history of doling out delectable dishes through his business Aqua Terra Culinary, Inc., federal prosecutors say Ford cooked up a scheme to fraudulently obtain millions. He allegedly applied for loans and grants under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), as per the indictment unveiled on January 26th.

The CARES Act and later, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021's RRF, paved the way for billions of dollars in aid to sustain small businesses battered by the economic impact of COVID-19. The indictment alleges that instead of using the relief funds for legitimate expenses like payroll, Ford diverted the money to purchase real estate in Belize, to play the stock market, and to bankroll a separate business endeavor.

Facing a court day set for January 31, before Magistrate Judge Virginia K. DeMarchi of the Northern District of California, Ford could see up to 30 years in the pen for bank fraud and another 20 years for each wire fraud count, with 10 years possible for the money laundering charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal C. Hong has taken up the gauntlet prosecuting a case brought to light by diligent investigation from the IRS Criminal Investigation and SBA Office of Inspector General, as stated in the Justice Department release.

Despite the heavy charges weighing upon him, the law clearly states that Ford remains innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The court will determine any punishment in alignment with the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, contingent upon a conviction.