A woman from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is going to prison after using COVID relief money for personal expenses. Gerneshia Williams, 47, was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison for misusing funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
Williams had applied for the loan, which was meant to help small businesses affected by the pandemic. However, instead of using the money to help her business, she spent more than $100,000 on herself. This included over $30,000 on jewelry and more than $20,000 on a destination wedding in Florida.
The COVID relief funds were intended to support businesses during tough times caused by the pandemic. Williams, however, promised that the money would be used to cover her business’s expenses but chose to use the loan money for personal gain instead.
Williams was convicted of illegally spending at least $110,030.47 of the loan money. As part of her sentence, she was ordered to pay the full amount of restitution and serve three years of supervised release after her prison term.
The case highlights how some people took advantage of the emergency relief programs meant to help those in need. While most businesses struggled to survive, some individuals misused these funds, leading to severe consequences.
Williams’ case serves as a reminder that relief programs meant to assist struggling businesses should be used properly. Misusing government funds, especially during a crisis, can lead to criminal charges and serious penalties.
(Source : talkradio960.com)
