Investigative Press Releases

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Susan K. Harris, 74, and William S. Harris, 60, both of Albuquerque, were sentenced today in federal court for conspiracy  to defraud the United States and other financial crimes committed in connection with the operation of Ayudando Guardians, Inc., a non-profit corporation that previously provided guardianship, conservatorship and financial management to hundreds of people with special needs.

Miami, Florida – A former South Florida banker was sentenced this week to 42 months’ imprisonment for participating in two frauds: the first, a scheme to steal over $60 million from investors and producers seeking financing for movies and Broadway shows; the second, concealing his criminal history on applications for COVID-19 relief loans.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington has sentenced Lori Owen, a/k/a Lori Corrigan (50, Holiday), to five years and three months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank, wire, and mail fraud. As part of her sentence, the Court also ordered restitution to the identified victims in the amount of $620,103, and entered a money judgment of $265,964, representing the proceeds of the fraud. Owen had pleaded guilty on April 19, 2021.

BOSTON – A Lawrence woman pleaded guilty today in connection with her involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19-related unemployment assistance. Raquel Pena, 40, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Nov. 4, 2021. Pena was charged by criminal complaint on April 1, 2021.