MARSHALL, TEXAS – While East Texans struggled through the COVID-19 pandemic, Brianna Clarisse Banks, 24, of Hawkins, Texas, was allegedly helping herself to their relief money. Banks pleaded guilty today to federal charges of theft of government money before U.S. Magistrate Judge Roy Payne, admitting she stole a $1,200 Economic Impact Payment (EIP) check.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas isn’t mincing words. Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei stated, “Thieves who take the federal funds intended for the financially vulnerable will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted.” The case highlights a disturbing trend of individuals exploiting the CARES Act, a $2 trillion relief package designed to aid Americans impacted by the pandemic.
Court records show the stolen check, issued by the U.S. Treasury in April 2020, was originally mailed to an individual’s post office box in Avinger, Texas. Banks allegedly intercepted the check and didn’t stop there. She then used the victim’s personal information – name, social security number, and date of birth – to open a new checking account. Crucially, Banks listed her own address on the account, effectively diverting the stolen funds to herself.
After depositing the $1,200 EIP check into the fraudulently opened account, Banks withdrew the money and spent it on personal expenses, according to investigators. A federal grand jury indicted Banks on January 20, 2021, setting the stage for today’s guilty plea. The Secret Service and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office jointly investigated the case, uncovering the scheme and building the evidence leading to the conviction.
Banks now faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. While the maximum sentence is set by federal statute, the actual punishment will be determined by the court, taking into account advisory sentencing guidelines and other factors. A presentence investigation will be conducted by the U.S. Probation Office before a sentencing hearing is scheduled. The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.
The CARES Act authorized approximately $560 billion in benefits to individuals, including an estimated $300 billion allocated for EIPs. This case serves as a stark reminder that those who attempt to defraud these programs, preying on vulnerable citizens during a crisis, will face the full force of federal law. The Secret Service continues to prioritize investigations into fraud related to pandemic relief programs, working with local law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice.
Related Federal Cases
- Karen McGinnis, Tax Theft, Mountain Top PA, 2023-2025 · Virginia
- Wytrenia Reynolds, Theft of Government Property, Columbus GA, 2014 · Georgia
- Tracy Mitchell, Identity Theft, Montgomery AL, 2013 · Georgia
- David William Welbig, Aggravated Identity Theft, Albuquerque NM, 2014 · New Mexico
- Angel Lara-Merida, Identity Theft, Kenner LA, 2023 · Washington
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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