March 28, 2025
Houston, TX – Two Livingston women are among 15 individuals indicted in a large-scale scheme to defraud government aid programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and unemployment insurance benefits, federal authorities announced on Thursday.
Tiara Petties, 31, and Jennifer Petties, 32, both of Livingston, Texas, have been charged in connection with a conspiracy that allegedly involved falsified applications for pandemic relief funds. They were among a group of individuals accused of fabricating business records and submitting fraudulent claims to obtain financial assistance unlawfully.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, the scheme was orchestrated by Ebone Myrriah Mott, 37, of Houston, who allegedly assisted individuals in filing fraudulent applications. Mott is accused of creating fictitious businesses, submitting false documents, and charging her co-conspirators a fee in exchange for helping them secure fraudulent funds. Federal investigators say she charged approximately $200 upfront and took 10% of the fraudulent payouts.
Authorities allege that the defendants collectively sought hundreds of thousands of dollars in pandemic relief funds under false pretenses. The investigation, led by the U.S. Department of State – Diplomatic Security Service, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, and the California Employment Development Department, uncovered the widespread fraud operation.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison, along with significant financial penalties.
“The misuse of pandemic relief programs for personal gain will not be tolerated,” said a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “Those who exploit government aid designed to help struggling businesses and workers will be held accountable.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Day.
This indictment is part of ongoing federal efforts to crack down on pandemic-related fraud, as investigators continue to uncover cases of fraudulent claims related to emergency financial assistance programs.
Source By Legal Newsline