Cheyenne, WY – A married couple from Cheyenne, Wyoming, Sean P. Madigan, 35, and Victoria Madigan, 35, have been sentenced to five years of supervised probation for their roles in a $300,000 Covid-19 relief fraud scheme. The couple, who also have three children, pleaded guilty to making false statements and wire fraud.
Sean was sentenced on June 6, ordered to pay $161,175 in restitution to the State of Wyoming, and an additional $12,864 to the Cheyenne Housing Authority. Victoria was sentenced on September 10, also required to pay $12,864 joint and several with Sean to the Cheyenne Housing Authority.
The Madigans received Section 8 housing assistance while running a coffee shop in the Cheyenne Frontier Mall. They failed to disclose their business income when applying for and maintaining their eligibility for housing assistance. Their actions were within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
During the pandemic, Sean used the coffee shop to fraudulently receive Covid-19 relief funds. He did not spend the money as required by State of Wyoming grant programs, instead using a significant portion for household expenses. “The Madigans’ actions are an outright theft from American taxpayers,” said U.S Attorney Darin Smith.
Special Agent-in-Charge Machelle Jindra with HUD’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) echoed the sentiment, stating that the couple’s scheme diverted critical taxpayer dollars intended to support struggling businesses during the pandemic while also receiving HUD housing assistance. “HUD OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to working with our prosecutorial partners to aggressively pursue those who engage in activities that threaten the integrity of HUD programs,” Jindra added.
The investigation was conducted by HUD, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christyne Martens prosecuted the case. Case No. CR-25-00030 and CR-25-00039.
Related Federal Cases
- WV Biz Owner Cashed In on COVID Chaos · West Virginia
- Kiara Hall Sentenced for Wire Fraud Scheme · Michigan
- Wyoming Man Pleads Guilty in $1M Staged Crash Fraud Ring · Michigan
- Tampa Woman Pleads Guilty in $173K Tax & Credit Fraud Scheme · Florida
- Florida Trio Convicted in Staged Accident Fraud Ring · Michigan
Key Facts
- State: Wyoming
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
