Jane Batista admitted to submitting fraudulent PPP loan applications and laundering the funds for personal use.
NEWARK, N.J. – Jane Batista, 43, of Lake Worth, Florida, pleaded guilty today to charges of wire fraud and money laundering for fraudulently obtaining $465,489 in COVID-19 relief funding, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Batista entered her plea before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court.
From April 2020 to August 2021, Batista submitted false Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications on behalf of herself, her husband, and two businesses they operated. The fraudulent applications included false claims about the number of employees, income, and revenue. Batista also forged supporting documents, including fake tax returns. After receiving the loans, she used the funds for personal expenses and made several significant transfers, including one for $15,000.
The wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while the money laundering charge carries up to 10 years. Both counts also carry a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. Sentencing is set for March 18, 2025.