NEWNAN – Former Fulton County Sheriff’s Office deputy Katrina Lawson has been found guilty by a federal district court jury of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering in connection with a wide-ranging Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan program small business loan scheme. Lawson is among 11 defendants who have been convicted in the case, including a Jonesboro man who is also a former Fulton County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
“The jury found Lawson guilty on all charges brought against her, adding to the previous convictions of 11 of her co-conspirators,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “In a time of crisis when the federal government sought to save small businesses from the significant, negative impacts of COVID-19, Katrina Lawson and her co-conspirators stole funds intended for these vulnerable businesses.”
“The verdict clearly illustrates that individuals who engage in fraudulent activities will be held accountable for their actions,” said Tommy D. Coke, inspector in charge of the Atlanta Division. “An extensive investigation by Postal Inspectors revealed the defendant and her co-conspirators took advantage of COVID-19 funds that were designated to assist small businesses for their own financial gain.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: On Aug. 11, 2020, agents from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) conducted a search at Alicia Quarterman’s residence in Fayetteville related to an ongoing narcotics trafficking investigation. Inspectors seized Quarterman’s cell phone and a notebook during the search.
In the phone and notebook, law enforcement discovered evidence of a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program scheme masterminded by…
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