Related Federal Cases
$3.2M Paycheck Scam: Long Island Woman Arrested
Donna Ingram, a 34-year-old Long Island woman, has been arrested and charged with running a brazen $3.28 million Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud scheme. The indictment, unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn, alleges that Ingram used false applications to secure loans meant for small businesses struggling during the pandemic.
According to the indictment, Ingram submitted numerous fake applications for loans under the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program, bilking the government out of over $3.2 million in relief funds. The program was designed to provide financial assistance to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As alleged, the defendant made a business out of defrauding the government by falsely claiming that she and others needed government loan benefits to pay their employees during the pandemic,” stated Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “This money was meant to help businesses weather the pandemic. In reality, the defendant was lining her own pockets.”
“Donna Ingram is accused of spearheading a scheme that defrauded the United States government of over $3.2 million in relief funds meant for the well-meaning public during a time when their lives were in unparalleled crisis,” said Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York. “The defendant’s alleged crimes were anything but victimless, and robbed small businesses — the backbone of this country — of critical resources.”
The indictment charges Ingram with wire fraud, disaster relief fraud, and theft of public funds. She is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara. Ingram faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the charges.
The case is a result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Secret Service, SBA Office of Inspector General, New York City Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. The agencies commended the exceptional collaboration and dedication of law enforcement partners in bringing Ingram to justice.
The indictment serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of pandemic-related fraud schemes. As the nation continues to recover from the pandemic, authorities remain vigilant in pursuing those who abuse government relief programs for personal gain.
Donna Ingram, 34, of Long Island, is charged with:
- Wire fraud
- Disaster relief fraud
- Theft of public funds
She faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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