Racquel Pichon, age 42 and formerly of Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced on April 14 for making false statements and stealing government funds related to Covid-19 relief programs, according to U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address fraud connected to pandemic-related financial assistance. These efforts are part of broader initiatives such as the National Fraud Enforcement Division and the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force, which aim to investigate and prosecute those who misuse taxpayer dollars.
According to court documents, Pichon applied for several loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) using her business Exotica Beauty LLC. On June 12, 2020, she completed a Paycheck Protection Program loan application that resulted in a $194,642.50 loan. Later that month she received an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance grant of $10,000 and an EIDL business loan of $149,900.
Pichon used some of these funds at high-end retail stores in New Orleans between July 2 and July 7, spending more than $8,000 from EIDL proceeds. She also spent over $900 on amusement park tickets in Florida and additional thousands at another luxury retailer in New Orleans. In total she received approximately $354,542.50 from these Covid-19 relief programs.
United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced Pichon to twelve months home detention with electronic monitoring as part of five years’ probation. She must pay restitution totaling $354,642.50 along with a mandatory special assessment fee.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana enhances community safety through law enforcement efforts according to the official website. The office operates under the Department of Justice as chief federal law enforcement officer for Southeast Louisiana according to its official website, enforcing federal laws including prosecuting criminal cases such as this one.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised investigative work by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and United States Secret Service in this matter; Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba prosecuted the case.
