Shamiese Wright, a 32-year-old resident of Charleston, has pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting money laundering in connection with a COVID-19 fraud scheme. The plea was entered on July 14, 2025.
Court documents reveal that Wright received $15,625 from a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loan. This loan was guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the CARES Act. On April 19, 2021, co-defendant Kisha Sutton submitted a PPP loan application for Wright, falsely listing her as self-employed with an income of $75,000 in 2020. The application included a fraudulent IRS Form 1040.
Wright admitted she was not self-employed and had never earned $75,000 in any year. She also acknowledged that the IRS form was fabricated to secure the loan.
A lender in Florida approved the application and deposited $15,625 into Wright’s bank account on May 7, 2021. Wright transferred $3,000 to Sutton using a digital wallet between May 7 and May 21, as compensation for facilitating the fraudulent submission. These transfers were made with misleading descriptions to hide their nature.
The CARES Act provided forgivable PPP loans to those affected by the pandemic who met specific criteria. Applicants needed to certify their business operations as of February 15, 2020.
Wright faces sentencing on October 29, where she could receive up to 20 years in prison along with fines and restitution payments totaling up to $18,736.73.
Wright is among several individuals indicted for conspiring and aiding each other in obtaining fraudulent PPP loans amounting to $140,625. Co-defendants William Powell and Damisha Brown have also pleaded guilty to related charges.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced these developments while commending efforts by various investigative agencies including the FBI and West Virginia State Police.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over this case which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan T. Storage and Jennifer D. Gordon along with former Assistant U.S Attorney Holly Wilson.
Reports of COVID-19-related fraud can be directed to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline or through their online complaint form.
Further details are available via Case No:2:24-cr-192 on PACERLinks accessible through external links from official websites.
