LaPlace, Louisiana – Two residents are facing serious federal charges after allegedly cooking up a scheme to defraud pandemic relief programs. Lynn Schofield, 60, and her son, Bashir Schofield, 23, are accused of filing bogus applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), hoping to line their pockets with funds meant for struggling businesses.
Federal prosecutors allege the pair didn’t just apply for the loans – they lied about everything. According to court documents, the Schofields conspired with a third, unnamed individual to fabricate business income and falsely claim the money would be used for legitimate business expenses. Instead, the feds say, the funds were earmarked for personal use, a blatant betrayal of the program’s intent.
The scheme wasn’t small-time. The Schofields allegedly inflated the gross receipts of their supposed sole proprietorship, attempting to secure larger loan amounts than they were entitled to. This isn’t simply a case of paperwork errors; it’s a calculated attempt to steal from a system designed to keep businesses afloat during a historic crisis.
Lynn Schofield is facing up to five years behind bars if convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Her son, Bashir, faces a much steeper penalty – potentially twenty years – on the wire fraud charge itself. Both could also be hit with hefty fines and supervised release after serving their time. The feds are not messing around with pandemic-related fraud.
A ‘bill of information’ – essentially a formal accusation – has been filed in this case, meaning the prosecution will proceed without a grand jury indictment. This doesn’t diminish the seriousness of the charges. Both Schofields are presumed innocent until proven guilty, but the burden of proof rests squarely on federal prosecutors to demonstrate their wrongdoing.
This case is being handled as part of the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force, a multi-agency effort established by the Attorney General to combat the surge in pandemic-related scams. The feds have made it clear they are aggressively pursuing anyone who exploited the CARES Act for personal gain. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is leading the prosecution.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, who have been instrumental in uncovering countless fraud schemes related to the CARES Act. This case serves as a stark reminder that those who attempt to defraud the government will be held accountable, even after the immediate crisis has passed.
Anyone with information about COVID-19 related fraud is urged to report it to federal authorities. The pandemic may be waning, but the pursuit of justice for those who exploited it is far from over. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.
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