NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – A New Orleans tax preparer has been charged with a $2 million Covid-19 fraud conspiracy and making false statements to federal agents, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
Denise Dixon, 52, was indicted on multiple counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and false statements to federal agents. The indictment alleges that Dixon caused the submission of numerous applications seeking over two million dollars in loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program on behalf of herself, her family members, and clients.
The indictment further alleges that Dixon and her co-conspirators made false representations on the applications and attached falsified tax documentation. If convicted of Counts One through Seven, Dixon faces a maximum penalty of twenty years of imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, per count.
As to Count Eight, Dixon faces a maximum penalty of up to five years of imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. A mandatory $100 special assessment fee for each count is also applicable.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carboni of the Public Integrity Unit and Edward Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit are in charge of the prosecution.
The case is a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19-related fraud. The public is urged to report any suspicious activity to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The indictment is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Covid-19-related fraud. It is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies to hold accountable those who seek to exploit the pandemic for personal gain.
Related Federal Cases
- Janet Smith, Mail Fraud, Louisiana, 2023 · Louisiana
- Kevin Ralph Andrus, Wire Fraud, Louisiana 2024 · Texas
- Carol John, Passport Fraud, Louisiana 2024 · Louisiana
- John Paul Pierre, Access Device Fraud Conspiracy, Louisiana 2024 · Georgia
- Bob G. Dean Jr., Neglect of Nursing Home Residents, Louisiana, 2023 · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News