A swindle scheme hatched by a Georgetown woman and her posse has led to a federal conviction for fraud. Tiffany Fullerton, 47, hit the jackpot by jackhammering the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for over $2.4 million, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Texas.

Fullerton was found guilty on two counts — conspiracy to commit bank fraud and money laundering. In conjunction with her husband and two others, Fullerton managed to expertly manipulate the system, devising to submit bogus PPP loan applications. These applications, using dormant businesses as fronts, were meant to salvage more than $3 million in funds designed to aid the financial hemorrhaging caused by the pandemic, court documents revealed.

Four out of five fraudulent filings found their way through the system, cashing in big for the defendants. Instead of providing payroll relief, the funds were diverted to fuel personal ventures and luxuries, such as starting a business in Oklahoma — comprising of a marijuana growth operation, a dispensary, a bar and grill, and an auto/boat repair shop — and purchasing a motor home, luxury watches, and a boat as per the U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Texas.

"This case is a strong reminder that we will aggressively prosecute those who sought to take advantage of programs meant to help small businesses survive the pandemic," said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Texas.

Michael Fullerton, David Scott Starkes, and Joseph Robles were part of the fraudulent quartet. They have already pleaded guilty to their role in the conspiracy and are currently awaiting sentencing. Meanwhile, the IRS Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration were the lead investigators who brought Fullerton and her associates' spree to an end. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Keith Henneke and G. Karthik Srinivasan served as prosecutors for the case, ensuring justice was served.