Former Louisiana Sheriff’s Deputy Charged with False Statements While Seeking PPP Benefits

Published February 22, 2022

Louisiana  – A former deputy sheriff in Louisiana has been charged with making a false statement while seeking paycheck protection program benefits

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Tianna Hart, age 32, of LaPlace, LA was charged with making a false statement via a bill of information filed on February 15, 2022, in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

Hart, a former deputy with the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, knowingly and willfully made a false statement to the US Small Business Administration in an application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) benefits she submitted in May 2021, according to the bill of information.

Hart faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a restitution order, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee if convicted.

U.S. Attorney Evans emphasized that a bill of information is only a charge and that the defendant’s guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The work of the United States Secret Service and the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office was praised by U.S. Attorney Evans. The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde.

An indictment or bill of information is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Follow this link to report a typo or other issue.