London, Kentucky – A woman from Corbin, Kentucky, was indicted for a conspiracy to commit COVID-19 relief fraud and identity theft.
An indictment was returned in London by a grand jury charging Karenda Vaughn, age 25, with fraudulently obtaining loans from Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans, authorized by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
Pursuant to the allegations in the indictment, starting on 30th April 2020 through 23rd March 2021, Vaughn created Vaughn Outdoor, a fake business entity, and false documents about the business to fraudulently submit applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans funds. The indictment alleges that Vaughn used stolen personal identification information to create another fake entity, Josh’s Nature Cure, and then applied for another Economic Injury Disaster Loans funds.
Acting United States Attorney for Kentucky’s Eastern District Carlton S. Shier, IV, and Special Agent in Charge of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration – Great Lakes Field Division Kelly K. Moening made the announcement.
The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration conducted the investigation that led to the indictment. The United States Assistant Attorney Kate Smith is handling the case.
On the COVID-19 relief fraud charges, Vaughn faces a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to 250,000 U.S. dollars. On the identity theft charge, Vaughn faces a required two-year consecutive sentence. The court would impose any other penalty following a conviction based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other federal statutes.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations only. The defendant is assumed to be innocent until and unless proved guilty after a fair trial in a court of law.
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