6 charged in ‘one of the largest’ rental assistance fraud cases ever
Jun 7, 2023, 2:31 PM
A "For Rent" sign is posted on a building. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
(AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
Federal prosecutors call it one of the country’s most prolific rental assistance fraud cases, with six culprits facing a 26-count indictment in court Wednesday.
Six people allegedly posed as landlords and business owners, getting $3.3 million from fraudulent applications to various government programs.
Restaurant owner in Tukwila pleads guilty to nearly $1M in wage theft
U.S. Attorney Nick Brown said most of the money was intended to help people in King County avoid eviction.
“The participants in this fraud were relentless in exploiting pandemic relief programs that were intended to assist small businesses and people who were vulnerable to eviction,” Brown said. “The need for the emergency rental assistance greatly outweighed the funds available, and we know that fraud schemes such as this one stole money that should have gone to those desperately in need.”
The alleged ringleader, 29-year-old Paradise Williams, helped to create fake documents and guides the other defendants in how to commit fraud as landlords and tenants to claim rental assistance. Each accomplice is said to have received tens of thousands of dollars for each fake application, and at least 35 applications were submitted.
Williams and accomplices also allegedly filed 13 fake applications to the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans totaling approximately $253,000.
Two of the defendants were arrested in Phoenix, one was arrested in Houston, with three arrested in Washington.
The indictment claims that the money illegally gained was used for luxury cars, designer clothes, jewelry, trips, and plastic surgery.
$970M Seattle Housing Levy to be voted on Wednesday
The suspects are charged with dozens of counts of wire fraud and money laundering. Wire fraud in connection to a federal national disaster is punishable with up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Money laundering is punishable with up to 20 years in prison.
The case is being investigated by the FBI.
The two Washington-based defendants are being held in Federal custody, and have a hearing scheduled for Friday, June 9.
