The Justice Department indicted a 37-year-old, Houston businesswoman on charges of bank fraud, making a false statement to a bank, and money laundering.
The charges against LaDonna Wiggins allege she used CARES Act PPP money to make personal purchases, including two homes, multiple vehicles and a bevy of luxury goods.
According to court documents, Wiggins spent nearly $725,000 to purchase homes in Katy and Cypress, $78,000 for a 2020 Land Rover, $63,000 on purchases at Chanel, $46,000 at Neiman Marcus, and $14,000 at Apple.
Wiggins, who is facing up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine, appeared before a U.S. Magistrate in court, last Tuesday.
Her attorney proclaimed her innocence in a statement on Wednesday saying: “We are very disappointed to learn that the government has decided to pursue criminal charges against our client, LaDonna Wiggins, after our repeated requests to sit down and discuss this matter with them. Ms. Wiggins is innocent of the charges brought against her in a nine-count indictment, as well as any and all allegations of wrongdoing which the government has lodged against her.”
LaDonna Wiggins, 37, is now facing up to 30 years in federal prison after she allegedly used #CARESAct funds for lavish personal purchases.
— Mayra Moreno ABC13 (@MayraABC13) March 3, 2021
Court documents state she bought 2 homes, built a pool, spent over $36k at Amazon, about $5k at Helzberg diamonds and the list goes on: pic.twitter.com/y03Z4KGhgY
