Two women plead guilty to COVID-19 relief loan fraud

Two women in West Virginia have pleaded guilty to defrauding the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a COVID-19 relief initiative managed by the Small Business Administration.

McCayla Myers, 27, was sentenced to one year of federal probation and ordered to pay restitution. Myers admitted to having another individual use her personal information to apply for and receive four PPP loans, each valued at $20,833, for businesses she did not own or operate. She reportedly used the funds for personal expenses.

Elizabeth Wells, 36, pleaded guilty to theft of public money, property, or records after submitting a fraudulent loan application in March 2021. Wells falsely claimed to own a business and reported an annual income of $106,000 to secure $20,833 in relief funds. She faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and is ordered to pay $23,637.22 in restitution. Her sentencing is scheduled for January 11, 2027.