A North Carolina woman is facing federal charges and decades in prison after she allegedly used coronavirus relief funds to go shopping.
Prosecutors say the woman, 24-year-old Jasmine Johnnae Clifton, allegedly applied for a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program using false documents claiming that her online clothing company, Jazzy Jas, had $350,000 in gross revenue over the past 12 months. She got approved for a $150,000 loan and spent the money on a shopping spree at retail stores including Nordstrom, Ikea, Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton, Best Buy, Rooms To Go, officials say.
A grand jury charged Clifton with wire fraud in relation to a disaster benefit and fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits. Each count carries up to 30 years behind bars. She is also facing a maximum fine of $1.25 million.
Clifton pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on a $25,000 bond.