Kathelia Hopkins, a 48-year-old resident of Portage, Indiana, has been brought to justice for her role in a brazen wire fraud scheme. According to a recent investigation, Hopkins submitted dozens of fraudulent applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to the Small Business Administration (SBA) on behalf of herself and others.
Betraying the trust placed in her, Hopkins claimed that the Covid-19 epidemic was creating an economic hardship on her business and other businesses owned by her family, friends, and others. However, the investigation revealed that these applications were falsified and the businesses that Hopkins claimed were entitled to funds either did not exist or did not qualify for EIDL loan funds.
Between June and August 2020, Hopkins submitted applications to the SBA, seeking to extract over $1,250,000 from the disaster loan program. The SBA, relying on her false claims, disbursed over $420,000. Hopkins’ personal profit from the fraud scheme was estimated to be $185,040.
Hammond, Indiana – Kathelia Hopkins, 48, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to wire fraud. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
Hopkins was sentenced to 21 months in prison and was ordered to pay $424,250 in restitution for her role in submitting dozens of fraudulent applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to the Small Business Administration (SBA) on behalf of herself and others.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of white-collar crime. Hopkins’ actions not only caused financial harm to the SBA but also undermined the trust placed in the system. As she begins her 21-month prison sentence, the people of Portage can rest assured that justice has been served.
Defendant: Kathelia Hopkins
Criminal Charge: Wire Fraud
City and State: Portage, Indiana
Exact Date: Unknown (between June and August 2020)
Sentence: 21 months in prison and ordered to pay $424,250 in restitution
Dollar Amount: $424,250 (restitution), $1,250,000 (attempted theft), $420,000 (disbursed funds), $185,040 (personal profit)
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Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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