Shonda Renee Stubblefield, a 45-year-old Houston woman, was convicted on all counts for stealing $125,659.90 from a federal program meant to clean Texas air. After a two-day trial and less than two hours of deliberation, a jury found her guilty of theft of public money, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft.
The money came from the Federal Highway Administration’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (FHWA-CMAQ), which funds projects to reduce traffic and pollution. Stubblefield, owner of World Corporation Inc. (WCI), falsely claimed her company had hundreds of employees in a telework program that qualified for reimbursement. In reality, the employees didn’t exist.
Prosecutors presented a mountain of evidence: fake bank records, forged income statements, fabricated timesheets, and doctored invoices. Stubblefield created at least 500 fake employee profiles—complete with phony names, addresses, and email accounts—to make the scheme appear legitimate. One victim’s identity was stolen to produce a fraudulent $18,100 check submitted to the government.
Despite her defense claiming she wasn’t involved, her name appeared on nearly every WCI document, at least four witnesses identified her, and the stolen funds flowed directly into her personal bank account. The paper trail was undeniable, exposing a calculated fraud targeting taxpayer dollars meant for environmental progress.
“These cases illustrate how agency works tirelessly against individuals who defraud hardworking taxpayers and steal money intended to reduce traffic congestion and improve the air quality in Texas,” said Joseph Zschiesche, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG).
U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett presided over the trial. Stubblefield, previously released on bond, was taken into custody immediately after the verdict. At sentencing, she faces up to 10 years for theft of public money, 20 years each for mail and wire fraud, 10 years for money laundering, and a mandatory consecutive two years for aggravated identity theft. Each count carries a maximum $250,000 fine. The DOT-OIG led the investigation; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Redlinger and Michael Day prosecuted.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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