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FBI Most Wanted 'fraudster' found in Jamaica, charged in US $32M COVID relief scheme: DOJ
Escoe, the last defendant charged, waived a formal reading of the indictment and demanded a jury trial after being returned from Jamaica.
- On Monday, Elaine Escoe pleaded not guilty to federal charges involving an alleged $32 million COVID-19 pandemic relief fraud scheme before Magistrate Judge Brandy Brentari Galler and demanded a jury trial.
- Authorities captured Escoe in Jamaica after she fled the United States following a 2025 arrest warrant; the FBI placed her on its "Most Wanted Fraudsters" list with a reward of up to $150,000.
- Prosecutors allege Escoe submitted fraudulent applications for the Paycheck Protection Program and Restaurant Revitalization Fund using fabricated tax and banking records, with some applicants paying kickbacks of as much as 50%.
- Several other defendants have already been convicted; Alfred Davis received 19.5 years in prison, Cher Davis received 7 years, and Latoya Clark received 5 years for their roles in the scheme.
- As the last person connected to the scheme to be charged, Escoe's case now proceeds toward a jury trial; the Department of Justice indicted her on conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering charges.
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Fox 10 Phoenix+11 Reposted by 11 other sources
FBI Most Wanted 'fraudster' found in Jamaica, charged in US $32M COVID relief scheme: DOJ
A South Florida woman on the FBI's list of “Most Wanted Fraudsters" for her alleged role in a $32 million scheme tied to COVID-19 funds was arrested in Jamaica and brought back to the United States.
FBI Most Wanted fraud suspect pleads not guilty in $32M COVID relief case
A South Florida woman who was captured in Jamaica after landing on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list pleaded not guilty to charges tied to alleged multimillion-dollar COVID-19 relief fraud.
·Deerfield Beach, United States
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Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution93% Center
Bias Distribution
- 93% of the sources are Center
93% Center
C 93%
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