Buffalo Woman Sentenced for Fraudulent CARES Act Claim
A federal judge sentenced Angela Kellogg to three years of probation for her role in a pandemic relief theft scheme.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Financial Crime
Live Poll
Do you trust that federal authorities are effectively prosecuting pandemic relief fraud in your country?
U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. sentenced Angela Kellogg of Dunkirk to three years of probation for the theft of government money. Kellogg fraudulently obtained pandemic relief funds despite not living or working in Puerto Rico.
Why it matters
The case highlights the federal effort to prosecute fraud within COVID-19 relief programs, specifically targeting funds meant for legitimate pandemic-related unemployment assistance.
Angela Kellogg received a three-year probation sentence for her role in a scheme that resulted in $67,524 of total losses for the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources.
The players
Angela Kellogg
She is a Dunkirk resident who was sentenced for stealing government funds meant for pandemic relief.
John L. Sinatra, Jr.
He is a U.S. District Judge who presided over the sentencing in Buffalo.
Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources
This government agency issued the unemployment benefits that were targeted by the fraudulent scheme.
The details
Kellogg provided her identification and social security number to a co-conspirator in July 2020 to access Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. She later deposited an $11,586 check from the Puerto Rico agency at an Inner Lakes Federal Credit Union, keeping $5,000 for herself.
Timeline
July 2020: Kellogg provided her personal information to a co-conspirator.
September 2020: Kellogg deposited the fraudulent check at a local credit union.
September 24, 2026: Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. issued the sentence in Buffalo.
Legal Context
The sentence follows a pattern of federal enforcement against individuals who exploited the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act for personal gain. This case mirrors ongoing efforts by federal authorities to hold individuals accountable for defrauding pandemic-era programs.
This sentencing serves as a reminder that federal authorities continue to audit and prosecute pandemic-era relief claims years after the programs ended. Local residents should be aware that participating in fraudulent schemes involving government identification can result in long-term legal consequences.
The takeaway
Individuals should remain vigilant against requests to share personal identification for financial schemes, as the legal repercussions for participating in federal fraud are severe. Even years after the conclusion of relief programs, federal agencies remain active in identifying and prosecuting participants.
Further reading
For more information on regional enforcement efforts, visit the Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The United States Department of Justice.
Live Poll
Do you trust that federal authorities are effectively prosecuting pandemic relief fraud in your country?
