# US COVID-19 relief fraud prosecutions

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-covid-19-relief-fraud-prosecutions
> Updated: 2026-11-09T15:58:26.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

Federal authorities have taken legal action against individuals involved in various COVID-19 relief fraud schemes. 

In California, Marisela Nuno faces federal charges for allegedly defrauding small business relief programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, of approximately $18 million. Nuno is accused of submitting false statements and fraudulent tax documentation to obtain funds, which were reportedly used for private property purchases and business startup costs.

In Washington, D.C., Karin L. Contreras was sentenced to 27 months in prison for her role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $1 million in unemployment benefits. Contreras and her accomplices allegedly used stolen personal information to file fraudulent claims, receiving benefits on prepaid debit cards that were subsequently withdrawn in cash.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-09: Karin L. Contreras sentenced for COVID-19 unemployment fraud

Karin L. Contreras was sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay over $551,000 in restitution for a COVID-19 unemployment fraud scheme in Washington, D.C.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karin-l-contreras-sentenced-for-covid-19-unemployment-fraud

### 2026-11-05: California woman charged with $18 million COVID relief fraud

A California woman, Marisela Nuno, has been charged with allegedly defrauding COVID-19 relief programs of $18 million through fraudulent PPP and EIDL loan applications.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-woman-charged-with-18-million-covid-relief-fraud

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Cite as: US COVID-19 relief fraud prosecutions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-covid-19-relief-fraud-prosecutions