Two Tax Preparers Charged in $65 Million COVID-19 Relief Fraud Case

Federal prosecutors allege the Mississippi women filed false claims for pandemic relief programs and laundered proceeds through local banks.

Renata Walton, 44, and Nicole Jones, 36, were indicted on 53 counts including wire fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice.
The pair allegedly submitted fraudulent claims under the Employee Retention Credit and Sick and Family Leave Credit on behalf of ineligible clients.
Prosecutors say the women collected substantial fees from six-figure refunds and laundered the funds through local banks.
Walton is also accused of filing false applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
Despite being warned of a federal investigation, the defendants reportedly continued their fraudulent activities and advised clients to avoid cooperating with authorities.