NEW ORLEANS, LA – A former law enforcement officer is facing federal time after admitting she fabricated details to snag a COVID-19 relief loan. Tianna Hart, 32, of LaPlace, Louisiana, pled guilty on April 6, 2022, to one count of making a false statement to the United States Small Business Administration, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2). This isn’t about keeping businesses afloat; it’s about a blatant attempt to line her pockets using a program designed to help those genuinely in need.
According to court documents, Hart illegally obtained a $20,832.00 Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan. The scheme revolved around a complete fabrication of her business ownership. Hart falsely claimed she’d been the owner and sole proprietor of a nail salon since January 1, 2018. The truth? The business wasn’t even hers, and wasn’t legally formed until around March 26, 2021 – well after the loan application was submitted. It’s a calculated lie designed to bypass eligibility requirements and steal funds.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana is pursuing the maximum penalty. Hart now faces up to five years behind bars, a potential three years of supervised release post-sentence, a restitution order to repay the stolen funds, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. It’s a hefty price to pay for a short-sighted grab for cash, and a warning to others considering similar schemes.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the collaborative effort of the United States Secret Service and the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office in unraveling this fraud. Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde is leading the prosecution, and will be tasked with building a solid case for sentencing. This case highlights the Secret Service’s continued focus on pandemic-related financial crimes, extending their investigative reach beyond counterfeiting and protection details.
Sentencing is currently scheduled for July 13, 2022, before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk. This isn’t just about one individual; it’s about holding accountable those who preyed on a crisis. The Department of Justice is actively seeking information on COVID-19 related fraud. Anyone with knowledge of such schemes is urged to report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or through their online complaint form: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
For further details regarding the Department of Justice’s pandemic response, visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. This case serves as a stark reminder that fraud, especially during times of national crisis, will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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