A Marrero resident, Linda Triggs, was sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty to making a false statement related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The sentencing took place on October 30, 2025, before United States District Judge Brandon S. Long. Triggs had faced a potential maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Triggs was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $64,065 to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), complete 150 hours of community service, and pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
The CARES Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. It provided emergency assistance through programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA administered these funds.
According to court documents, around April 18, 2021, Triggs made false statements on behalf of a non-profit corporation she owned in order to obtain approximately $64,065 in PPP loans from an approved lender.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its role in investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Reed led the prosecution.
More information about the Department of Justice’s response to COVID-19 can be found at https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Allegations or tips regarding attempted fraud involving COVID-19 relief efforts can be reported by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or submitting details via their web complaint form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
