New Orleans – The grimy streets of New Orleans are once again the scene of federal charges as Irvin C. Francois III, a 53-year-old local, faces up to ten years in prison for swindling $144,790 from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) program.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that Francois was indicted on June 20, 2025, for making false statements and engaging in money laundering. The fraudulent scheme began when Francois, using a business he owned, secured the substantial sum from an approved lender by providing false information about his financial situation.
The loot was then used to purchase an automobile, setting off a complex web of financial deceit known as money laundering. This brazen act is one of many that have marred the federal government’s COVID-19 relief efforts, which were intended to provide much-needed assistance to small businesses during the pandemic.
Despite his arrest and charges, Simpson emphasized that an indictment is merely a charge and that Francois’ guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Francois could face up to five years for the false statement count and an additional ten years for money laundering, with penalties also including fines up to $250,000, supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee.
This investigation was part of a broader effort by the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force, which seeks to root out fraud, waste, and abuse in the trillions spent on COVID-19 relief. The task force’s efforts are crucial in ensuring that those intended to benefit from these programs do not fall victim to criminal elements.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation for their diligent work on this case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera leading the prosecution.
Related Federal Cases
- New Orleans Woman Sentenced for Tax Fraud · Louisiana
- Cleveland Man Indicted for Clean Air Act Violations, $1.2M Fraud · Ohio
- New Orleans Business Owner and Doc Sentenced for $34M Medicare Fraud · Louisiana
- Louisiana Conspirator Pleads Guilty in Emissions Fraud Scam · New York
- New Orleans Man Cops to BP Oil Spill Fraud · Louisiana
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News