Press Release  Florida Woman Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison for Pandemic Relief Fraud

Boston, MA — A Florida woman was sentenced Monday in federal court in Boston for defrauding a Massachusetts housing agency where she worked in 2022, and defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in connection with the pandemic Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Alihea Jones, 51, of Brandon, Fla., was sentenced to 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Jones was also ordered to pay $222,074 in restitution and to forfeit $222,074. In September 2024, Jones pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud.

The Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General conducted the initial investigation.

“I appreciate the work of my law enforcement partners in the US Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in holding this defendant to account,” Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro said. “Not only did her actions deprive others of much needed assistance during the pandemic, but they also undermined faith in government."

District of Massachusetts | Florida Woman Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison for Defrauding Massachusetts Housing Agency | United States Department of Justice

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