Louisiana Woman Charged with Theft of CARES Act Funds Totaling More Than $88,000

New Orleans, Louisiana – A Louisiana woman has been charged with theft of CARES Act funds totaling more than $88,000.

On March 13, 2023, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Aline James, a/k/a “Aline Foster” (“James”), age 50, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted on March 10, 2023, for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.

According to the indictment, James received about $88,298.00 in Social Security Administration and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES ACT") money to which she was not entitled beginning in or around September 2012 and continuing until in or around December 2020.

If convicted, James faces up to ten years in prison, three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a $100 special assessment charge.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The efforts of the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General was lauded by U.S. Attorney Evans. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit.