COVID Fraud and Prison Sentences in Illinois

 Posted on September 16, 2024 in Criminal Defense

As the world began understanding the debilitating effects that the COVID-19 pandemic was having globally, the U.S. Government got to work creating economic support for people whose finances were harmed. Unemployed individuals, small businesses, and companies received hundreds of billions of dollars to encourage the economy and keep it from collapsing. This aid was set aside for people who needed it, but over $8 billion in relief fraud was discovered, triggering the creation of a federal task force to address it. To date, over 3,500 people have been charged and over 400 civil lawsuits filed about this. Unfortunately, given the motivation to stop COVID fraud, many innocent people who truly needed economic relief have been caught in the middle and are facing charges, too. Since COVID fraud includes federal offenses like wire fraud, bank fraud, and disaster assistance fraud, the consequences can be severe. If you have been accused of COVID fraud, ask a qualified Naperville, IL criminal defense lawyer for guidance.

What is COVID Fraud?

Some people exploit federal programs to illegally receive COVID-19 financial relief that they are not entitled to. This is called COVID fraud, and like all other types of federal fraud, it can have serious consequences.

COVID fraud is essentially when someone:

• Lied or falsified information on an application for the relief program to appear eligible when they were not

• Misused funds in a way that the program does not authorize.

• Used altered or fake documents to make it seem like they were eligible when they were not.

How is COVID Fraud Penalized?

Since COVID fraud can happen in several scenarios, the specific charges and sentences you face could vary. Some options include:

• Wire fraud: Using telecommunications to commit fraud. If prosecutors demonstrate that you intended to defraud and used interstate wire communication for that purpose, you can be charged with wire fraud, which is sentenced with heavy fines and up to 20 years in prison.

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud: If you intend to defraud the government, you can be charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud even if you did not ultimately commit a crime. The sentence is heavy fines and up to 20 years in prison.

• Bank fraud: Knowingly defrauding a financial institution so you can get money or assets that it controls. Penalties include hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and up to 30 years in prison.

• Emergency and disaster assistance fraud: Applying for disaster aid with false information because you know you are not eligible. You could face a prison sentence of 30 years or more.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Naperville, IL Fraud Defense Attorney

If you are charged with COVID-19 fraud, contact a skilled Naperville, IL criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. At Law Office of Philip R. Nathe, we understand how distressing it can be to face federal charges. We can build a strong case to defend you and protect your rights. Call us at 630-416-7600 to schedule a private consultation.