Briauna Adams, COVID-19 Fraud, Missouri 2024

A Kansas City woman is facing up to 92 years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to a string of COVID-19-related crimes.

Briauna Adams, 28, admitted to wire fraud, money laundering, and theft of government funds relating to a counterfeit check scheme and stolen United States Treasury checks.

According to court documents, Adams rented a townhome in Raymore, Mo., using the name and personal identification information of another person. On July 27, 2024, Adams opened an individual investment account from the Raymore residence.

On Aug. 15, 2024, Adams deposited a Treasury check worth $1,445,443.69 in her name to the investment account. Fraud investigators with the investment account company determined the $1,445,443.69 Treasury check was fraudulent and reversed the deposit before suffering a financial loss.

On Nov. 14, 2024, a search warrant was executed on Adam’s rental townhome in Raymore. Approximately 253 stolen Treasury checks were found in the residence. The total value of the checks was approximately $700,000.

Adams also conspired with others to prepare and file fraudulent Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loan applications on their behalf. Adams filed false PPP loan applications for numerous persons resulting in a loss of approximately $540,302.

Adams faces up to 92 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentence of the defendant will be determined by the court based upon the advisory sentencing guidelines and other factors.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department.

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