Woman Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud in Augusta, Georgia
Augusta, Ga. – A Richmond County woman has recently faced the consequences of her actions after being sentenced to federal prison for her role in defrauding a COVID-19 small business relief program. Kameka Bausley, a 43-year-old Augusta resident, has been sentenced to 32 months behind bars after pleading guilty to Wire Fraud.
The Details of the Case
According to court documents, Bausley, who was employed by the U.S. Postal Service and was also collecting workers’ compensation benefits, took advantage of the pandemic relief programs meant to help legitimate businesses struggling during the economic downturn. In her quest for quick cash, she falsely represented her catering business as a legitimate operation, submitting misleading information to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Paycheck Protection Program funding.
This fraudulent scheme netted Bausley a total of $71,933, all thanks to the two programs under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. However, the celebrations were short-lived as the law eventually caught up with her, leading to her current predicament.
Paying the Price
In addition to her prison sentence, Bausley is required to pay back the full sum she fraudulently obtained, totaling a hefty $71,933. After completing her prison term, she will also be on probation for three years, which means she will need to follow certain rules set by the court. This sentence serves as an important reminder about the serious repercussions of fraud, especially during a time when so many individuals and businesses are in genuine need of assistance.
A Call to Action
Cases like Bausley’s are not unique. The pandemic brought with it a wave of financial assistance programs, but unfortunately, it also opened the door for fraudsters looking to capitalize on the situation. Officials continue to urge anyone with information about suspected fraud involving COVID-19 relief programs to speak up. If you have any tips or leads, you can report them by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721. Alternatively, you can file a complaint through the NCDF Web Complaint Form available online.
Looking Ahead
As our communities recover from the chaotic effects of the pandemic, it’s crucial for everyone to stay vigilant against fraud. Programs designed to help struggling businesses are incredibly important, and ensuring that these resources reach those who genuinely need them is a shared responsibility.
It’s heartening to see that authorities are actively cracking down on those who attempt to manipulate these essential services for personal gain, reinforcing the message that fraud does not pay.
As the holiday season approaches, let’s all work together to spread awareness and encourage transparency in our local and national financial systems. Your vigilance could potentially save resources for those who truly require them!
