When the U.S. government rolled out billions in relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, it didn’t take long for scammers to circle. Federal prosecutors say Elaine Escoe and five co-defendants—Alfred Davis, Cher Davis, Gino Jourdan, Latoya Clark, and James McGhow—saw an opportunity, and they pounced.According to a federal indictment, the group conspired to defraud COVID-relief programs meant to keep businesses afloat, pocketing funds for themselves and then laundering the proceeds through a maze of accounts they owned and controlled. The charges? Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Wire Fraud, and multiple counts of Money Laundering—each carrying sentences of up to 20 years in prison and steep fines.This is the story of stolen relief, a high-stakes scheme unraveled in court, and the heavy price of turning a pandemic into profit.This is Fugitive Files. Let’s get into it.
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When the U.S. government rolled out billions in relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, it didn’t take long for scammers to circle. Federal prosecutors say Elaine Escoe and five co-defendants—Alfred Davis, Cher Davis, Gino Jourdan, Latoya Clark, and James McGhow—saw an opportunity, and they pounced.According to a federal indictment, the group conspired to defraud COVID-relief programs meant to keep businesses afloat, pocketing funds for themselves and then laundering the proceeds through a ma...