A Detroit-area woman is the first in the country to be charged with stealing pandemic relief money meant to help medical professionals in their fight to treat COVID-19 patients. She is facing federal charges for taking the money and giving it to several family members. The consequences if she is ultimately convicted are quite severe.
The accused
The accused is a 35-year-old female. According to reports, she used to own 1 on 1 Home Healthcare in Brownstown Township. The company is said to have closed in early 2020 due to financial difficulties. The accused has since filed for bankruptcy relief in which she has claimed over $2 million in liabilities.
The situation
Despite being closed before the pandemic officially began in 2020, the accused successfully applied for and received over $37,000 in relief money meant for treating patients. Authorities say that this individual cut checks to family members so they could have the funds for personal use. She is facing 10 years in prison if she is convicted, among various other penalties.
Defense
Fighting federal charges of fraud can prove extremely challenging. There are never any guarantees of a positive outcome; however, failing to defend oneself will virtually ensure a negative result. The accused in this case can help herself by turning to an experienced Detroit-based criminal defense attorney who has experience handling fraud cases at the federal level. With the right help in her corner, she can seek a case dismissal, work to negotiate a plea agreement with prosecutors, or plan and present a strategic criminal defense in court. At the end of the day, no matter which legal course she takes, she’ll be able to walk away knowing she has done everything in her power to achieve the best outcome possible.
