FBI arrests alleged $32M Covid funds fraudster in Jamaica

FBI arrests alleged $32M Covid funds fraudster in Jamaica Elaine Escoe, 41, is accused of helping orchestrate a scheme that obtained more than $32 million from Covid relief programs - Bookmark A fugitive on the FBI’s “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list for her alleged role in a $32 million Covid-19 pandemic relief fraud scheme has been arrested in Jamaica and brought back to the U.S. to face federal charges. Elaine Angene Escoe, 41, was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and multiple counts of money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Officials said Escoe helped orchestrate a scheme that fraudulently claimed more than $32 million from programs that were intended to keep American businesses and workers afloat during the pandemic. After being charged, she failed to appear in court in May 2025, and authorities said she then fled to Jamaica. She was living under a fake name, “Harley Newman,” but was located and arrested after the FBI gave Jamaican authorities a tip, FBI Director Kash Patel said. “This Most Wanted Fraudster allegedly obtained tens of millions in COVID-19 relief, stealing critical resources from legitimate businesses during a national crisis,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement as Escoe was returned to Florida Thursday. “She fled the country believing she could escape justice but ultimately could not,” he added. “Those who exploit taxpayer-funded programs will be held accountable by this Department of Justice, no matter how long it takes or where they attempt to hide.” Escoe and her co-conspirators allegedly sought more than $32 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds, according to court documents. The applications falsely represented the existence, payroll, revenue and operators of fake businesses in order to qualify for the maximum federal relief funding, the documents claim. “To support the fraudulent applications, the conspirators created fake tax documents, fabricated bank records, and other false financial records that lenders and program administrators relied upon in approving loans and grants,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida said. Escoe is the final defendant charged in the scheme. A December 2025 trial saw Alfred Davis, Cher Davis and Latoya Clark convicted by a federal jury, while James McGhow and Gino Jordan previously pleaded guilty. Alfred Davis was sentenced to 235 months in prison, Cher Davis to 87 months, Clark to 70 months, Jordan to 46 months and McGhow to 42 months.