United States of America v. Prayshana Washington

Kansas City, Missouri criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with fraudulently receiving more than $800,000 in Missouri and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act unemployment benefits

Houston Woman Sentenced for $800,000 Covid Fraud Scheme

Prayshana Washington, Houston, Texas, was indicted for fraudulently receiving more than $800,000 in Missouri and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act unemployment benefits using the identity information of numerous other persons.



On May 23, 2024, Washington pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property. Washington admitted she facilitated the filing of false claims in her name and the names of other persons, thereby fraudulently receiving unemployment benefits paid through the state of Missouri. These benefits included benefits from the CARES Act.



Washington fraudulently filed 38 successful claims for unemployment benefits, using the name and personal identifying information of individuals in the state of Missouri and elsewhere. These persons were not eligible to receive Missouri and enhanced unemployment benefits. The scheme lasted over a year and required repeated false statements by Washington to the Missouri Department of Employment Services.



This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General and the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General – Office of Investigations & Labor Racketeering Fraud.