⏱ 2 min read
Five individuals, including LaDonna P. Smith, Dennis L. Douglas, Deaun A. Flowers, Princess T. Jones, and Toi P. Jones, have been accused of stealing $511,692 from a Missouri childcare expansion program between August 2021 and February 2023. The scheme involved submitting fraudulent applications for Child-Care Relief Funds, which were meant to support the opening of new childcare facilities or the expansion of existing ones in Missouri. The funds were allegedly used for kickbacks, travel, and luxury goods.
The indictment reveals that Smith submitted fake applications on behalf of two childcare centers, resulting in payments of $100,000 and $127,066. Douglas also received $79,927 through a fraudulent application. The group submitted another application, which netted them $129,699, with $30,000 going towards a kickback for Smith.
The investigation found that the defendants failed to use the funds for their intended purpose, prompting the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to demand repayment. Instead, the defendants wrote checks to each other, including a $15,000 check from Flowers to Toi Jones and an $11,000 check to herself.
The five defendants face charges of wire fraud, identity theft, and theft of government property. Smith and Douglas have pleaded not guilty to the charges, while the other defendants have been indicted and are awaiting further proceedings.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Missouri
- Location: MO
- Source: DOJ Press Release
