South Florida Woman Pleads Guilty In Relation To Multi-Million COVID-19 Fraud Scam
According to a report from Fox News, a South Florida woman has pleaded guilty in relation to a multi-million dollar COVID-19 related financial fraud scheme. Danielle Miller, 32, reportedly bragged about her crimes on social media. Here, our Orlando white collar defense lawyer provides a comprehensive detail of the allegations, the charges, and the steps that you should take if you or a loved one was charged with a COVID-19 related fraud offense.
Instagram Influencer Pleads Guilty for Large COVID-19 Fraud Scheme
As reported, Danielle Miller is a 32-year-old Instagram influencer from Miami, Florida. She pleaded guilty on wire fraud charges and aggravated identity theft charges. According to authorities, Ms. Miller unlawfully obtained more than $1 million in federal relief funds through the CARES Act and other programs. Federal prosecutors asserted that she used stolen identities in order to carry out the fraud scheme. In total, the identities of at least ten other people were used.
Federal and State Authorities are Cracking Down on COVID-19 Fraud
Federal and state authorities are escalating their efforts to combat COVID-19 fraud, targeting individuals and organizations exploiting the pandemic for financial gain. These scams include counterfeit vaccines, fraudulent treatments, price gouging of essential supplies, and false claims for government relief funds. Indeed, there has been a concerted effort over the last several months to take action against people and businesses accused of criminal misuse of COVID-19 relief funds.
What are the Steps to Take to Defend Yourself Against a COVID-19 Fraud Charge
If you or your loved one stands accused of committing any type of COVID-19 related fraud offense, it is imperative that you take immediate action to protect yourself, your freedom, and your future. Every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Here are key steps to take:
- Consult With a Florida White Collar Defense Lawyer: Seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney who has dealt with fraud cases, particularly those related to COVID-19. A top attorney will be able to guide you through the legal process, analyze the evidence, and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your situation.
- Preserve Evidence and Maintain Records: Gather and preserve all documentation and records that may be relevant to your case, such as receipts, invoices, emails, and contracts. These materials can help establish a legitimate basis for your actions and demonstrate that you acted in good faith.
- Develop a Strong and Well-Tailored Defense Strategy: Working closely with your Florida criminal defense attorney, develop a comprehensive defense strategy that addresses the specific allegations and evidence against you.
Contact Our Orlando, FL Fraud Defense Attorney Today
At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando white collar defense lawyers handle the full range of fraud charges, including COVID-19 fraud charges. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with any fraud-related offense, we are more than ready to help. Give us a phone call now or connect with us online for a completely private consultation. From our office in Orlando and our office in Miami, we defend fraud charges throughout all of Florida.
Source:
foxnews.com/us/florida-woman-pleads-guilty-million-dollar-covid-relief-scam
