New Orleans Woman Sentenced for Fraud and Tax Evasion
A federal court ordered restitution of over $800,000 for Paycheck Protection Program fraud and tax evasion.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Financial Crime
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A federal judge in New Orleans sentenced Amanda Clayborne-Williams to five years of probation for committing wire fraud and tax evasion. The defendant was ordered to pay over $800,000 in restitution to the Small Business Administration and the IRS.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a legal case involving $1.3 million in attempted fraudulent loan applications and years of intentional tax avoidance. The case highlights ongoing federal enforcement efforts against misuse of pandemic-era financial aid programs.
The court sentenced the defendant to five years of probation, including one year of home detention and 150 hours of community service. Restitution totaling $807,772.22 is owed to the Small Business Administration and the IRS.
The players
Amanda Clayborne-Williams
She is the New Orleans resident sentenced for wire fraud and tax evasion.
Small Business Administration
This federal agency manages business loans and relief programs like the Paycheck Protection Program.
IRS
The Internal Revenue Service is the agency responsible for the collection of taxes and enforcement of tax laws.
The details
Clayborne-Williams submitted 12 false loan applications for the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan program between April 2020 and January 2021. Additionally, she evaded income taxes throughout periods spanning 2011 to 2020, resulting in significant losses for the federal government.
Timeline
The defendant evaded income taxes during 2011-2014 and 2016-2020.
False loan applications were submitted from April 2020 to January 2021.
The court sentenced the defendant on October 20, 2026.
Legal Context
This sentencing aligns with broader federal efforts to prosecute individuals who exploited provisions of the CARES Act. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing judicial scrutiny applied to all pandemic-era business loan applications.
This outcome serves as a public record regarding the consequences of filing false loan applications and evading taxes. Residents and local business owners are reminded of the strict oversight maintained by the federal government over public relief funds.
The takeaway
The court's decision highlights that federal agencies continue to monitor and prosecute fraud long after the initial dispersal of relief funds. Individuals should ensure all financial filings and loan applications remain accurate and compliant with federal tax laws.
Further reading
For more information on recent enforcement efforts, visit the Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WGNO - News With A Twist.
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