Courtney Laparele Clark, Cashing Forged Checks, Nebraska 2022

OMAHA, NE – Courtney Laparele Clark, 35, formerly of Tacoma, Washington, walked out of court a free woman this week, but not without a three-year term of supervised release hanging over her head. Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Clark to time served for her role in a scheme to cash forged United States Treasury stimulus checks, a case brought by Acting United States Attorney Steven Russell.

The scam centered around checks originally issued to incarcerated individuals. Between March and April of 2021, Clark supplied forged checks to Jessica Lovering, who attempted to cash them at the EZ Money Check Cashing location on L Street in Omaha. On March 26th, Lovering successfully cashed a $1,400 check, obscuring the original payee with a white powdery substance before writing in her own name. A month later, on April 26th, she tried again with another $1,400 check, but employees recognized the alteration and refused payment.

Federal investigators uncovered the conspiracy through text messages and Facebook Messenger conversations between Clark and Lovering. These communications detailed the manufacturing and alteration of the checks, specifically discussing cashing them at the EZ Money near 50th and L Streets. The pair also discussed how Clark would receive the checks back from Lovering and split the illicit proceeds. It was a brazen attempt to profit off a system designed to help those in need.

Lovering, already sentenced on June 16, 2022, also received time served, followed by a three-year term of supervised release after serving three months and eleven days in custody. Clark had already spent over 13 months incarcerated before being sentenced. Both women were ordered to pay restitution – $1,400 from Clark and $300 in special assessments. The federal system offers no parole, meaning both will be closely monitored during their supervised release.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Omaha Police Department, and is part of a larger effort by the Department of Justice to combat COVID-19 related fraud. The COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force, established by the Attorney General in May 2021, is dedicated to pursuing the most egregious actors exploiting the pandemic for personal gain. Anyone suspecting COVID-19 fraud is encouraged to report it to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or through their online complaint form.

While the amounts involved in this particular scheme may seem small, officials warn that even seemingly minor acts of fraud contribute to a larger pattern of abuse. The Secret Service and the Department of Justice are committed to holding accountable those who attempt to defraud the government and exploit relief programs intended for vulnerable citizens. This case serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly simple schemes can carry serious consequences.

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