Lisa McCormick's warning proven right by COVID-19 fraud arrests

Lisa McCormick's prescient warnings about potential fraud within COVID-19 relief programs have found stark validation as the Department of Justice (DOJ) announces over 3,200 defendants charged with offenses related to pandemic relief fraud.

As of June 2023, the DOJ has connected these cases to an astonishing $8.6 billion in stolen funds, seizing more than $1.4 billion in relief funds, revelations that underscore McCormick's concerns expressed in our May 11, 2020, news article where the progressive Democrat criticized the hastily crafted legislation as a breeding ground for "outrage and corruption."

At the time the law was approved, McCormick asserted, "The CARES Act is 880 pages of outrage and corruption, that gave Republican President Donald Trump a $6 trillion slush fund without adequate oversight or guidance to prevent abuses."

She contended that, far from stabilizing the economy, the legislation served to enrich the wealthy, thereby insulting the 99 percent of Americans who abide by the rules.

Comparing it unfavorably to the TARP bailouts under Republican President George W. Bush, McCormick's comments now resonate with increased significance.

“The CARES Act is 880 pages of outrage and corruption, that gave Republican President Donald Trump a $6 trillion slush fund without adequate oversight or guidance to prevent abuses,” said Lisa McCormick. “Instead of stabilizing the economy, it enriches the rich and insults the 99 percent of Americans who follow the rules. This is worse than the TARP bailouts under Bush.”

Several recent arrests and convictions have put faces on the abuses in the relief programs.

New Jersey U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said that Nikenson Jean Mathurin of Sussex County was charged on December 19, 2023, for fraudulently obtaining over $2 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).

A federal jury in Georgia convicted Shelitha Robertson, 62, a Georgia attorney and former City of Atlanta police officer, of fraudulently obtaining over $7 million in loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) on December 20, 2023.

A Tennessee man employed by the IRS obtained $171,400 after submitting false applications to a federal program that was part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. According to court documents, Brian Saulsberry, 47, of Memphis, pleaded guilty on December 5, 2023.

These cases are emblematic of the challenges authorities face in preventing fraudulent claims for relief funds and highlight McCormick's foresight, which was largely overlooked by mainstream news media when every member of the New Jersey delegation in Congress supported the wasteful .

The vast scope of COVID-19 relief fraud cases unveiled by the DOJ reflects a broader pattern of exploitation, with perpetrators attempting to siphon off funds meant for struggling businesses and individuals.

The DOJ's figures, available at DOJ Coronavirus Fraud Information, paint a concerning picture of the magnitude of fraudulent activities surrounding pandemic relief initiatives.

McCormick's concerns about inadequate oversight and the potential for misuse of relief funds now echo through the multitude of cases brought to light by the DOJ.

The numbers indicate a pressing need for robust measures to safeguard relief programs from exploitation, ensuring that funds reach those genuinely impacted by the pandemic.

As the DOJ continues its crackdown on COVID-19 relief fraud, the arrests and convictions are tangible examples of the challenges authorities face in maintaining the integrity of relief initiatives.

McCormick's early warnings have become an unfortunate reality, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing vigilance and stringent oversight in safeguarding relief programs against fraudulent activities.