DOJ: Roanoke Woman Indicted for COVID Fraud Scheme – Case Advances Fraud Division Crackdown

• Jennings allegedly exploited both the Paycheck Protection Program and pandemic unemployment benefits by submitting false information.
• Her PPP loan was obtained with help from Jameika Austin, who is serving 8 years for over 100 fraudulent PPP applications.

Jazmin Jennings, a Roanoke woman, was indicted on September 3, 2026 for allegedly making false tax returns and fraudulently obtaining money from two COVID-19-era government programs. She was arraigned in federal court following the indictment, which details her underreporting income and failing to disclose her home healthcare business.

The indictment claims Jennings exploited the Paycheck Protection Program by submitting false business receipts and misrepresenting the use of funds, and also falsely claimed unemployment benefits while employed. Jameika Austin, who assisted Jennings, is currently serving 8 years in federal prison for submitting over 100 fraudulent PPP loan applications totaling almost $2,000,000.

• 8 years Jameika Austin's federal prison sentence
• over 100 fraudulent PPP loan applications submitted
• almost $2,000,000 PPP funds disbursed due to fraud

• Review PPP loan applications for false reporting of gross receipts and authorized use of funds, as alleged in the Jennings indictment.
• Scrutinize pandemic unemployment benefit claims for undisclosed employment through home healthcare businesses, per the Jennings case.
• Cross-reference entities and individuals linked to Jameika Austin and over 100 fraudulent PPP applications for potential exposure.

This case highlights the ongoing risks of fraud in government relief programs, especially during emergencies like COVID-19. Compliance officers must be vigilant in detecting false claims and misreported income, as fraudsters may exploit multiple programs simultaneously. The DOJ’s focus on fraud enforcement and the involvement of the National Fraud Enforcement Division signal increased scrutiny and potential for more prosecutions, making robust internal controls and thorough due diligence essential for AML/CFT compliance.