Newnan, Ga. – A Georgia woman has been locked away for nearly seven years for a brazen scheme that siphoned over $200,000 in federal student aid.
Andrea R. Williams, 36, was sentenced to six years and seven months for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft after using stolen identities to file fraudulent applications for financial aid. According to U.S. Attorney John Horn, ‘Williams stole the identities of dozens of innocent victims, using them to file fraudulent student aid applications.’
The investigation began when Dallas County Community College network identified a pattern of suspicious applications. Williams, who had previously worked at a healthcare company, admitted to stealing patient databases and using identities for financial gain. She also confessed to forging signatures and using stolen credit cards.
Williams pocketed over $200,000 in aid but was awarded nearly $500,000. Her actions were halted by the Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General, which worked with local law enforcement. ‘Ensuring that those who steal student aid are held accountable is a big part of our mission,’ said Yessyka Santana, Special Agent in Charge.
Williams has been ordered to pay restitution totaling $277,434.50 and faces three years of supervised release after her prison term. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of monitoring personal information in an era where identity theft is on the rise.
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Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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