Former SBA and IRS employee Attallah Williams is accused of using government positions to embezzle more than $3.5 million from COVID-19 relief programs. According to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Williams allegedly fraudulently accessed funds from four separate emergency aid sources while working at the SBA and IRS.
Williams’s alleged scheme involved submitting fraudulent applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for businesses that were not operational. She reportedly used her position as an SBA loan officer to improperly approve applications for the EIDL Advance grant program. Authorities also say Williams promoted her insider knowledge on social media, including Instagram, offering referral incentives to recruit others into the scheme.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated that Williams allegedly exploited her federal employment to steal millions from government relief programs and openly recruited others through social media.
After leaving the SBA, Williams reportedly continued her scheme at the IRS, where she allegedly exploited the Employee Retention Tax Credit program for personal gain. Authorities say her actions were aimed at extracting funds intended to support legitimate businesses during a period of economic hardship.
Williams, 32, now faces charges including conspiracy to defraud the government related to relief claims. The investigation that uncovered these allegations highlights the importance of oversight in pandemic relief programs and the impact of fraud on individuals and businesses relying on these funds.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about potential COVID-19 relief fraud to contact the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud. These measures aim to protect the integrity of relief programs. Williams is presumed innocent as court proceedings continue, and the legal system will determine the validity of the charges against her.
