⏱ 2 min read
Racquel Pichon, a 42-year-old former Slidell resident, was sentenced to punishment for her role in a COVID-19 relief scam. The scheme involved multiple Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) loans under the business Exotica Beauty LLC.
Between 2020, Pichon applied for and received over $354,000 in COVID-19 relief funds through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) backed Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs.
However, instead of using the funds to support her legitimate business, Pichon spent the money on personal items, including approximately $8,000 at a high-end retail store in New Orleans and $921 on amusement park tickets in Florida.
Pichon’s scheme was uncovered by the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat fraud, and she was subsequently charged with false statements and theft of government funds.
On April 14, 2026, Pichon was sentenced for her crimes, marking another victory in the fight against COVID-19 relief scams.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Louisiana
- Location: LA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
