Sarah Johnson, $3.3M Covid Relief Scam, Denver CO, 2023

DeJane Reaniece Lattany, 32, of Denver, is facing federal wire fraud charges after allegedly pilfering over $3.3 million from Covid-19 relief programs. The feds say Lattany systematically falsified applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), lining her own pockets while businesses genuinely struggling during the pandemic went without.

According to court documents unsealed this week, Lattany allegedly fabricated details about her businesses – inflating employee numbers and revenue figures – to qualify for the loans. Instead of using the funds to cover payroll or legitimate business expenses as required, the feds claim she diverted the money for personal use. The total haul from the alleged scheme: $3,337,976.94, encompassing PPP, EIDL, and Economic Injury Disaster Grant (EIDG) proceeds.

The FBI’s Denver Division spearheaded the investigation, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to cracking down on pandemic-related fraud. Agents uncovered a pattern of falsified documents and misrepresented information across multiple applications. Federal prosecutors, Nicole C. Cassidy and Rebecca S. Weber of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, are now building their case for trial.

Lattany made her initial court appearance on March 27, 2023, before Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews. While she’s been formally charged, it’s crucial to remember she’s presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a bedrock principle of the American legal system, and Lattany has the right to a fair trial.

This case comes amidst a larger federal crackdown on Covid-19 relief fraud. In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to coordinate efforts across various government agencies. The task force aims to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who exploited the pandemic for personal gain, ensuring accountability for the misuse of vital public funds.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds. The alleged scheme represents a blatant betrayal of trust and a drain on resources intended to help those most impacted by the pandemic. The feds are sending a clear message: exploiting a national crisis for personal profit won’t be tolerated. Anyone with information about Covid-19 relief fraud is encouraged to report it to the appropriate authorities.

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