A woman from Marrero has been found guilty of fraudulently applying for COVID-19 relief funds intended for small businesses. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, 73-year-old Linda Triggs admitted to making a false statement to obtain a Paycheck Protection Program loan. The Paycheck Protection Program was created under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to provide financial support to businesses during the pandemic.
Triggs, the owner of a non-profit corporation, admitted to making a false statement to an approved lender on April 18, 2021. As a result, she received approximately $59,065. She was charged with violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2). Triggs faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. Sentencing is set for September 30, before United States District Judge Brandon S. Long, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The U.S. Attorney's Office is monitoring for fraud involving COVID-19 aid programs and asks the public to report any suspected fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson said the Federal Bureau of Investigation helped uncover a recent case, which is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crimes Unit. The office stated it will continue efforts to ensure aid funds are properly used.
