In a recent case of fraud related to COVID-19 relief, a foreign national has been sentenced to an additional year and nine months in prison for using a stolen identity. Tanika Candy Hospedales, a 44-year-old from Trinidad and Tobago, applied for and received a forgivable loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) using the name and personal information of another individual without authorization. She sought a fraudulent loan of over $84,000 and referred others to the scheme who collectively attempted to obtain over $3.3 million in fraudulent loans. During the investigation, Hospedales falsely identified herself as the victim and provided false information to law enforcement. She was charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy and has ultimately pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for using a false identity.
Background
In a recent case of identity theft and COVID-19 relief prosecution, a foreign national was sentenced to an additional year and nine months in prison. The individual, Tanika Candy Hospedales, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, used a stolen identity during her earlier prosecution for her involvement in the submission of fraudulent loan applications. These loan applications sought more than $9.2 million in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
According to court documents, Hospedales applied for and received a PPP loan in May 2020 using the name and personal identifying information of another person, Keyaira Bostic, without authorization. She also referred other conspirators to the scheme who sought additional fraudulent loans, resulting in a total intended loss of $3,430,410.
During the investigation into the PPP loan fraud, Hospedales falsely identified herself to law enforcement as Keyaira Bostic, leading to charges of wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. She went as far as falsely testifying that her name was Keyaira Bostic during her trial before a jury. Hospedales provided false information regarding her identity to the probation office and even surrendered a U.S. passport in the name of Keyaira Bostic, which she had fraudulently obtained in 2012.
The Case
Stolen Identity and COVID-19 Relief Prosecution
Tanika Candy Hospedales, a foreign national from Trinidad and Tobago, used a stolen identity during her involvement in the submission of fraudulent loan applications for COVID-19 relief funds. She applied for and received a PPP loan using the name and personal identifying information of another person, Keyaira Bostic, without authorization. Hospedales sought a fraudulent PPP loan of $84,515 on behalf of her company, I Am Liquid Inc., and referred other conspirators to the scheme who sought $3,345,895 in fraudulent loans.
Fraudulent PPP Loan Applications
As part of the scheme, Hospedales referred other individuals to submit fraudulent PPP loan applications. These applications totaled $3,345,895 in intended loss. Hospedales played a significant role in the process by directing these individuals and facilitating the submission of the applications.
False Testimony and Obstruction of Justice
During her trial before a jury on the PPP fraud charges, Tanika Candy Hospedales provided false testimony by falsely identifying herself as Keyaira Bostic. She went to great lengths to maintain her false identity, including providing false information to the probation office and surrendering a fraudulently obtained U.S. passport in the name of Keyaira Bostic. These actions constituted obstruction of justice and further complicated the investigation.
Investigation and Sentencing
Law Enforcement’s Investigation
The investigation into Tanika Candy Hospedales’ involvement in the fraudulent PPP loan scheme was conducted by several law enforcement agencies, including the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the FBI, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). These agencies worked collaboratively to uncover the extent of Hospedales’ criminal activities and gather evidence for her prosecution.
Conviction and Sentencing
Following a thorough investigation, Tanika Candy Hospedales was convicted by a jury on the charges of wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud in connection with the fraudulent PPP loan applications. As a result, she was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison. Hospedales also received a three-year supervised release and a written judgment was entered against her in the name of “Keyaira Bostic.”
Key Parties Involved
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida played a crucial role in the prosecution of Tanika Candy Hospedales. As the lead prosecutor, Lapointe worked diligently to build a strong case against Hospedales and ensure that justice was served.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division provided guidance and support throughout the prosecution process. Polite’s expertise in criminal law and his commitment to upholding justice were instrumental in achieving a successful outcome in this case.
Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line
Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Miami Field Office led the investigative efforts in uncovering the fraudulent PPP loan scheme involving Tanika Candy Hospedales. Line’s expertise in financial crimes and his dedication to protecting the integrity of government relief programs were invaluable in bringing Hospedales to justice.
Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri
Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office played a vital role in the investigation of Tanika Candy Hospedales and her co-conspirators. Veltri’s extensive experience in investigating complex financial crimes and his collaboration with other law enforcement agencies were essential in gathering the evidence necessary for a successful prosecution.
Special Agent in Charge Philippe Furstenberg
Special Agent in Charge Philippe Furstenberg of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Miami Field Office contributed to the investigation of Tanika Candy Hospedales and her fraudulent activities. Furstenberg’s expertise in international law enforcement and his coordination with other agencies enhanced the effectiveness of the investigation.
Collaboration and Prosecution
Involvement of IRS-CI, FBI, and DSS
The successful prosecution of Tanika Candy Hospedales was made possible through the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies. The IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the FBI, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) worked together to investigate Hospedales’ involvement in the fraudulent PPP loan scheme. This collaboration allowed for the sharing of resources, expertise, and information, leading to a comprehensive investigation.
Prosecution Team
The prosecution team, led by U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe and Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., worked diligently to build a strong case against Tanika Candy Hospedales. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Turken for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Philip Trout of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section played key roles in presenting the evidence and arguments in court. Their expertise in prosecuting financial crimes and their dedication to justice ensured a successful outcome in this case.
Additional Findings
Confirmation of True Identity
Through a subsequent investigation, it was confirmed that Tanika Candy Hospedales was not, in fact, Keyaira Bostic, the identity she had falsely assumed during her involvement in the fraudulent PPP loan scheme. Law enforcement obtained visa records that demonstrated Hospedales’ true identity and revealed that she entered the United States from Trinidad and Tobago on a temporary visa in March 2003.
Temporary Visa Status
Tanika Candy Hospedales, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, entered the United States on a temporary visa in March 2003. This information was uncovered through the investigation and further highlighted the importance of verifying individuals’ identities and immigration status to prevent identity theft and fraud.
Obstruction of Justice Conviction
Guilty Plea
As part of the legal proceedings, Tanika Candy Hospedales pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for using a false identity during her earlier prosecution. Her guilty plea acknowledged her deceitful actions and the obstruction they caused in the investigation and judicial process.
Consequence of Concurrent Sentencing
Tanika Candy Hospedales’ obstruction of justice conviction resulted in an additional year and nine months being added to her previous sentence for the fraudulent PPP loan applications. This concurrent sentencing underscores the severity of her actions and serves as a deterrent for future individuals who may attempt similar acts of obstruction.
Supervised Release
In addition to her prison sentence, Tanika Candy Hospedales was ordered to serve three years of supervised release. During this period, she will be subject to certain conditions and supervision to ensure compliance with the law and prevent further criminal activity.
Announcement and Contact Information
Announcement of Sentence
The sentencing of Tanika Candy Hospedales was announced by U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Philippe Furstenberg of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Miami Field Office. This joint announcement emphasized the collaborative effort and the significance of holding individuals accountable for their fraudulent actions.
Contact Details
For further information or inquiries regarding this case, the public is encouraged to reach out to the Public Affairs Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. They can be contacted via email at USAFLS.News@usdoj.gov.
Related Content
Other COVID-19 Relief Fraud Cases
This case is not an isolated incident. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been numerous instances of fraudulent activity involving relief funds. Individuals and organizations seeking to exploit government assistance programs for personal gain have been prosecuted for their fraudulent actions. This case serves as a warning and a testament to the commitment of law enforcement agencies in combating fraud and protecting the integrity of relief programs.
Links to Court Documents
Related court documents and additional information about the case can be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov. These documents provide further insight into the investigation, prosecution, and sentencing of Tanika Candy Hospedales.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Tanika Candy Hospedales for using a stolen identity during her involvement in fraudulent PPP loan applications highlights the severity of identity theft and fraud in the context of COVID-19 relief programs. This case demonstrates the dedication of law enforcement agencies in uncovering such schemes and holding individuals accountable for their actions. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to justice, financial crimes can be prosecuted effectively, safeguarding the integrity of relief programs and ensuring that assistance reaches those who truly need it.