PITTSBURGH, PA – Amanda Fairfax, 37, formerly of Monessen, Pennsylvania, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced for a brazen scheme to defraud the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. Fairfax received 18 months’ imprisonment followed by a three-year term of supervised release, after being convicted on five counts of mail fraud, U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
The fraud unfolded between June and July of 2020, a period when the nation was reeling from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act, intended to provide relief, created the PUA program, extending benefits to those typically ineligible for unemployment. Fairfax exploited this system, filing fraudulent claims on behalf of five individuals, knowingly submitting false information to enrich herself.
Federal investigators revealed that the fraudulently obtained benefits – totaling a staggering $66,240.00 – were delivered to addresses linked directly to Fairfax. The U.S. Postal Service, unwittingly, became a conduit for the criminal activity. Judge William S. Stickman IV levied the sentence in federal court, clearly signaling that such exploitation of emergency funds will not be tolerated.
Beyond the prison sentence, Fairfax is also facing a hefty financial penalty. The court ordered her to pay a $500 special assessment and a full restitution of $66,240.00, meaning she will be required to repay every penny she illegally obtained. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. McKenna spearheaded the prosecution, building a case that secured the conviction and subsequent sentencing.
The investigation wasn’t a solo effort. U.S. Attorney Chung specifically commended the collaborative work of the Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General, and agents from the U.S. Secret Service. Their combined efforts brought Fairfax to justice and sent a clear message that those who prey on vital assistance programs will be held accountable.
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of fraud within federal aid programs, particularly those implemented during times of crisis. While the PUA program provided a crucial lifeline for millions, it also became a target for individuals like Fairfax, willing to exploit the system for personal gain. The Secret Service and Department of Labor continue to investigate similar cases nationwide, working to recover stolen funds and bring perpetrators to justice.
Related Federal Cases
- Bruce Choi, COVID-19 Relief Fraud, Los Angeles CA, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Gerardo Heriberto Nuñez Nuñez, Elder Fraud Scheme, Boston MA, 2026 · Pennsylvania
- Irina Segal, Medicare Fraud, Bucks County PA, 2023 · New Jersey
- Irina Segal, Medicare Fraud, Philadelphia PA, 2023 · New Jersey
- Sark Wire Corporation, PPP Fraud, Albany NY, 2023 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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