Myiesha Robertson, age 35, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on March 4 before United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to three counts involving false statements to the Internal Revenue Service and fraud related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, according to a March 11 announcement by U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address fraudulent claims made during the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure accountability for those who misuse government relief programs.
Court documents show that Robertson admitted in Count 1 to making false statements to the IRS in 2022 by claiming credits for a tax customer that resulted in an improper refund. In Count 2, she admitted failing to report approximately $116,000 of her own taxable income on her 2022 tax return. For Count 3, Robertson acknowledged making false statements to the Small Business Administration in order to obtain about $60,900 in pandemic-related relief loans, including Paycheck Protection Program funds.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 10. For Counts 1 and 2 regarding false statements to the IRS, Robertson faces up to three years in prison per count, fines up to $100,000 each, and up to three years of supervised release. For Count 3 related to CARES Act fraud, she faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
The Department of Justice encourages anyone with information about attempted COVID-19 fraud schemes to contact its National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline or submit a complaint online at its official website.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle said he praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations division for their role in investigating this matter.
