Jeannine Dukes, False Oath in Bankruptcy, Louisiana 2023

New Orleans Woman Pleads Guilty to Bankruptcy Fraud

A 41-year-old New Orleans woman has pleaded guilty to making a false oath in a bankruptcy matter, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

Jeannine Dukes, 41, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on October 4, 2023, for making a false oath in a bankruptcy matter, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 152(2).

According to the bill of information, on November 19, 2021, Dukes did knowingly and fraudulently make a false oath or account in or in relation to any case under Title 11 in a bankruptcy case. Specifically, Dukes failed to disclose she had applied for a COVID-19 PPP Loan on May 18, 2021, and received approximately $20,527.00 in PPP funds on June 8, 2021.

Dukes faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571.

In addition, Dukes faces a term of supervised release of no less than three (3) years after her release from prison as well as payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for January 10, 2024, before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, and the Office of the U.S. Trustee, Region 5, in investigating this matter.

The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of Financial Crimes Unit.

MANDATORY FACTS:

1. Defendant/Respondent Full Name: Jeannine Dukes

2. Exact Criminal Charges: Making a false oath in a bankruptcy matter, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 152(2)

3. City and State: New Orleans, Louisiana

4. Exact Date with Month/Day/Year: October 4, 2023 (plea date), November 19, 2021 (crime date)

5. Sentence or Outcome: Faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571

6. Dollar Amounts: $20,527.00 in PPP funds

Defendant Name: Jeannine Dukes

Criminal Charges: Making a false oath in a bankruptcy matter, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 152(2)

City and State: New Orleans, Louisiana

Exact Date with Month/Day/Year: October 4, 2023 (plea date), November 19, 2021 (crime date)

Sentence or Outcome: Faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571

Dollar Amounts: $20,527.00 in PPP funds

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/new-orleans-woman-pleads-guilty-making-false-oath-bankruptcy-matter