A woman from Laplace, Louisiana, has been charged with making false statements in connection with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). According to an announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson, Chelsey Powell, 34, was charged on December 5, 2025.
Charging documents allege that Powell submitted false information to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to obtain a Paycheck Protection Program loan of approximately $19,950. The Paycheck Protection Program was established by the federal government to provide relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If convicted, Powell faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release for making false statements to the SBA. She would also be required to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee after conviction.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson stated: “a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The investigation involved the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera from the Financial Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Further details about the Department of Justice’s efforts regarding pandemic-related fraud can be found at https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Reports about suspected COVID-19 fraud can be made by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline or submitting information online at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
