SAVANNAH, Ga. – A Jacksonville attorney was convicted for illegally obtaining funds from a federal COVID-19 relief program, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Georgia.
Officials said Shaquandra Woods, 40, completed at least nine applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for herself and others.
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“Congress provided more than $6 billion in funding for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act as a lifeline in the midst of a generational catastrophe for struggling small businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg.
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Woods, who practices law in Florida and Georgia, fabricated and submitted false documents to support these applications, the attorney’s office said.
Officials said Woods attempted to get almost $800,000 in COVID-19 funding for herself and others. She ended up obtaining more than $300,000 for herself.
After a four-day trial in U.S. District Court, Woods was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Woods could face up to 20 years in prison, along with financial penalties and restitution, followed by supervised release upon completion of her prison term. ]
Officials said there is no parole in the federal system.
Woods’ sentencing date will be scheduled upon completion of a pre-sentence investigation by U.S. Probation Services.
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According to U.S. Attorney Steinberg, this year alone, they have prosecuted defendants responsible for more than $11 million in CARES Act fraud.