⏱ 2 min read
A 64-year-old North Carolina woman, Linda Faye Hough, has been charged with orchestrating a scheme to defraud the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP) of over $9 million. The alleged scheme took place in Rockingham, NC, and involved submitting false claims to the program. Hough is facing one count of mail fraud and six counts of making false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims to a federal program.
The DFAP was established by the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022 to compensate farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 20. However, according to the indictment, Hough allegedly exploited this program for personal gain, submitting false applications and receiving millions of dollars in funding.
US Attorney Russ Ferguson stated that his office is committed to rooting out fraud and preserving the integrity of federal assistance programs. The USDA Inspector General and the FBI also expressed their commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who exploit these programs for personal gain.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the USDA Office of Inspector General. If convicted, Hough faces significant prison time and fines for her role in the alleged scheme.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: North Carolina
- Location: NC
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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