Georgia Residents Sentenced for COVID Relief Fraud

News Summary

Two Georgia residents received prison sentences for their roles in defrauding federal COVID-19 relief programs. Dantavious Jackson was sentenced to up to 20 years for mail fraud, while Kameka Bausley received 32 months for wire fraud. Jackson submitted falsified IRS forms claiming over $4 million in tax refunds, while Bausley falsely reported revenue to secure more than $71,000. These cases highlight ongoing concerns about fraud in pandemic assistance programs.

Augusta, Georgia – Two Georgia Residents Sentenced for Federal COVID Relief Fraud

In a significant legal development, two residents of Georgia have been sentenced for their roles in defrauding federal COVID-19 relief programs. Dantavious Jackson, 39, from Union City, faces severe penalties including up to 20 years in prison following his guilty plea to mail fraud in federal court in Augusta. Meanwhile, Kameka Bausley, 43, from Augusta, has been sentenced to 32 months in federal prison for wire fraud associated with similar fraudulent activities.

Jackson’s illegal actions, which spanned from June 2022 to August 2023, involved submitting 35 falsified IRS Forms 941. These documents falsely claimed a staggering total of $4,112,297 in tax refunds under a COVID-era program meant to help businesses retain employees. His fraudulent claims included fictitious employees and wages, leading the U.S. Treasury to issue refunds amounting to $1,567,855, which were sent to Jackson and his clients at a location in Grovetown, Georgia. In addition to prison time, Jackson is subject to supervised release, restitution, and other monetary penalties.

On the other hand, Bausley, a former employee of the U.S. Postal Service who also operated a catering business, engaged in fraudulent activities that resulted in her receiving a total of $71,933 from the U.S. Small Business Administration. She falsified revenue and expense details to successfully secure funding from the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Paycheck Protection Program. The court has ordered Bausley to repay the full amount in restitution, and after her prison term, she will face three years of supervised release.

Both cases underscore the increasing concern among federal officials regarding the abuse of COVID-19 relief funds. U.S. Attorney Jill Steinberg pointed out the lure that the substantial funding has for scam artists attempting to exploit safety net programs designed to support struggling businesses and individuals during the pandemic. This trend is alarming as authorities continue to uncover fraudulent schemes that take advantage of emergency resources.

The investigations leading to these convictions were conducted by a collaborative effort of various law enforcement agencies, including the IRS Criminal Investigation unit and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. Special Agent Demetrius Hardeman emphasized the importance of accountability for individuals committing fraud against CARES Act programs. Furthermore, Special Agent Jonathan Ulrich from the U.S. Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General reiterated the agency’s commitment to addressing and prosecuting those who engage in deceptive practices with federal relief funds.

Background on COVID-19 Relief Fraud

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented response from federal authorities to support the economy. Programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) were launched to assist businesses in maintaining operations and retaining their workforce. Unfortunately, these vital initiatives did not just attract legitimate applicants; they also opened the door for individuals looking to exploit the system for personal gain.

As the pandemic unfolded, numerous fraudulent schemes emerged, with individuals submitting false information to acquire essential funds they were not entitled to. This prompted a nationwide crackdown on fraudulent activities connected to COVID-19 relief programs. Law enforcement agencies have been working diligently to investigate and prosecute those involved in these scams, underscoring the serious consequences of fraud in the context of federal assistance.

The ongoing legal actions taken against offenders like Jackson and Bausley serve as a warning against the exploitation of government aid programs. As the investigations continue, federal authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to protect resources intended for legitimate businesses and individuals affected by the pandemic.

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: Augusta Federal Plea – Man Admits $4M COVID Aid Scheme
• Augusta Chronicle: Augusta Woman Scammed COVID-19 Funds
• WJBF: Augusta Woman Sentenced for Defrauding PPP
• Wikipedia: Paycheck Protection Program
• Encyclopedia Britannica: COVID-19