ALBUQUERQUE – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico has secured a monumental $4.9 million for victims of the Ayudando Guardians fraud scheme, marking a significant victory against the decade-long embezzlement that preyed on vulnerable individuals under guardianship.
Former president and 95% owner, Harris, was handed a 47-year prison sentence followed by three years of supervised release. Her husband, William S. Harris, received 15 years for his role as a guardian. Other key figures in the scheme faced severe sentences as well, with former chief financial officer Moore sentenced to 20 years and Susan Harris’ son, Craig M. Young, to 71 months in federal prison.
The U.S. Marshals Service demanded coverage from Travelers Casualty and Surety Company under a ‘Wrap + Crime’ policy for the losses sustained due to the criminal acts of Ayudando employees. After Travelers Insurance denied coverage, the United States filed a civil action against them on March 31, 2022.
On September 20, 2024, a settlement was reached with Travelers, who agreed to pay $4.9 million. The U.S. District Court later entered a final order of forfeiture, awarding the same amount in funds obtained through the settlement.
The recovered funds are part of the $6.8 million money judgment against Harris. The investigation and prosecution were conducted by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and various federal agencies, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Peña leading the criminal case and Ruth Keegan and Jesse Hale handling the Civil Action and settlement.
The successful recovery sends a strong message to fraudsters that their schemes will not go unpunished and that justice for victims is a top priority.
RELATED: $4.9M Recovered in Ayudando Guardians Fraud Scheme
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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