Latest news with #CARESAct
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bluefield woman pleads guilty to COVID-19 fraud scheme
BLUEFIELD, WV (WVNS) — A Bluefield woman pleaded guilty to a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. According to a press release, 43-year-old April Elick, of Bluefield, pleaded guilty to the theft of government money on June 2, 2025. She obtained $84,000 in COVID-19 loans through the Small Business Association (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and used the funds for personal use. Elick is set to be sentenced on September 8, 2025, and faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, three years probation, and a $250,000 fine. She owes $97,802.59 in restitution, as well. Court documents and statements made in court stated that Elick received two Paycheck Protection Program loans (PPP) amounting to $14,520 in April 2021, after stating that the money was for her home healthcare business to cover payrolls and other expenses. She received an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) amounting to $61,000 through the CARES Act in January 2022, and also increased the COVID-19 business loan by $8,700 in April 2022, the release stated. As part of her plea, Elick confessed that she knew she could use the proceeds only for things outlined in CARES Act programs, the release noted. Elick also stated that she used funds for personal expenses, such as withdrawing $30,560, an estimated $16,350 in digital wallet transfers, and $8,290.11 in purchases made in West Virginia, North Carolina, and Virginia. The CARES Act allowed for forgivable PPP loans to be used for eligible for impacted businesses and sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals, the release stated. It also approved the SBA to provide EIDL loans of up to $2 million for eligible small businesses that were experiencing substantial financial struggles. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston released the announcement and applauded the work of the WorkForce West Virginia Integrity Section, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Inspector General (NASA OIG), the Litigation Financial Analyst with the U.S. Attorney's Office, and the West Virginia State Police — Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Did Donald Trump approve $1,200 monthly payments for stay-at-home moms? Here's the truth
Claims circulating across social media platforms suggesting that former U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a $1,200 monthly benefit for stay-at-home mothers are false, according to verified government sources and fact-checking agencies. The misinformation, largely amplified via TikTok and short-form video platforms, has gained traction in recent days, prompting official clarification. Viral TikTok Videos Spark Confusion The rumor appears to have originated from a series of widely shared TikTok videos that allege that a policy under Donald Trump is either in effect or soon to be enacted, providing direct monthly payments to stay-at-home moms for $1,200. Many of these videos contain captions and hashtags designed to evoke urgency and support, such as "Apply now!" and "Mothers deserve this support," further misleading audiences, as mentioned in a report by USA Today. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Several clips even featured screenshots of government websites and forms, falsely implying that the payments are part of a federal assistance program signed off by the former president. In reality, no such policy has been introduced or approved under any current federal legislative or executive initiative linked to Trump. No Federal Program or Executive Order in Place As of now, no federal agency, congressional body, or White House directive under Donald Trump's administration or post-presidency activity has endorsed a program offering monthly financial assistance to stay-at-home parents. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the Internal Revenue Service, have issued no updates that support these social media claims. Live Events Fact-checkers at multiple nonpartisan organizations, including Snopes and PolitiFact, have labeled the claim as entirely unsubstantiated. A spokesperson for the Social Security Administration also confirmed that 'no new programs targeting stay-at-home parents have been implemented or proposed by any sitting or former administration in recent months', as quoted in a report by USA Today. Misuse of Stimulus History Adds to Confusion The origin of the $1,200 figure appears to be rooted in public memory of the COVID-19 stimulus payments that were issued during Donald Trump's presidency in 2020. At that time, eligible Americans received a one-time payment of $1,200 under the CARES Act, followed by subsequent stimulus packages. However, those payments were broadly distributed to all qualifying adults and were not specifically tied to parenting status or employment circumstances. Experts warn that misleading social media content often repackages older government initiatives to create the impression of new benefits, especially in politically charged or economically strained climates. Experts Urge Caution and Media Literacy Policy analysts and digital misinformation experts are urging citizens to exercise caution when encountering financial claims online, especially those not backed by reputable news outlets or official government releases. 'It's important for users to verify claims through trusted sources and not rely solely on viral content,' said Emily Gibbons, a political communication scholar based in Washington. 'Misleading information about government programs can result in confusion, scams, or false hope.' FAQs Did Donald Trump approve a $1,200 monthly benefit for stay-at-home moms? No. There is no such policy approved or proposed by Trump or any federal agency. Where did this rumor originate? It appears to have started on TikTok and other short-form video platforms, using misleading captions and fake screenshots.
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Did Donald Trump approve $1,200 monthly payments for stay-at-home moms? Here's the truth
A viral TikTok trend has claimed that President Donald Trump approved $1,200 monthly payments for stay-at-home moms. This has created a huge response on social media, and people are asking whether it is true or not. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Viral TikTok Videos Spark Confusion No Federal Program or Executive Order in Place Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Misuse of Stimulus History Adds to Confusion Experts Urge Caution and Media Literacy FAQs Did Donald Trump approve a $1,200 monthly benefit for stay-at-home moms? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Where did this rumor originate? Claims circulating across social media platforms suggesting that former U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a $1,200 monthly benefit for stay-at-home mothers are false, according to verified government sources and fact-checking agencies. The misinformation, largely amplified via TikTok and short-form video platforms, has gained traction in recent days, prompting official rumor appears to have originated from a series of widely shared TikTok videos that allege that a policy under Donald Trump is either in effect or soon to be enacted, providing direct monthly payments to stay-at-home moms for $1, of these videos contain captions and hashtags designed to evoke urgency and support, such as "Apply now!" and "Mothers deserve this support," further misleading audiences, as mentioned in a report by USA clips even featured screenshots of government websites and forms, falsely implying that the payments are part of a federal assistance program signed off by the former president. In reality, no such policy has been introduced or approved under any current federal legislative or executive initiative linked to of now, no federal agency, congressional body, or White House directive under Donald Trump's administration or post-presidency activity has endorsed a program offering monthly financial assistance to stay-at-home parents. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the Internal Revenue Service, have issued no updates that support these social media at multiple nonpartisan organizations, including Snopes and PolitiFact, have labeled the claim as entirely unsubstantiated.A spokesperson for the Social Security Administration also confirmed that 'no new programs targeting stay-at-home parents have been implemented or proposed by any sitting or former administration in recent months', as quoted in a report by USA origin of the $1,200 figure appears to be rooted in public memory of the COVID-19 stimulus payments that were issued during Donald Trump's presidency in 2020. At that time, eligible Americans received a one-time payment of $1,200 under the CARES Act, followed by subsequent stimulus those payments were broadly distributed to all qualifying adults and were not specifically tied to parenting status or employment warn that misleading social media content often repackages older government initiatives to create the impression of new benefits, especially in politically charged or economically strained analysts and digital misinformation experts are urging citizens to exercise caution when encountering financial claims online, especially those not backed by reputable news outlets or official government releases.'It's important for users to verify claims through trusted sources and not rely solely on viral content,' said Emily Gibbons, a political communication scholar based in Washington. 'Misleading information about government programs can result in confusion, scams, or false hope.'No. There is no such policy approved or proposed by Trump or any federal appears to have started on TikTok and other short-form video platforms, using misleading captions and fake screenshots.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Charges dropped against Spokane dermatologist accused of COVID fraud
May 30—Charges of fraud related to federal COVID relief were dropped Friday against Spokane dermatologist Dr. William "Phil" Werschler. Between 2020 and 2022, Werschler's businesses received more than $2.9 million in federal CARES Act loans meant for struggling small businesses. The 23-count indictment filed last year alleged Werschler used $1.5 million of those dollars to purchase luxury vehicles and other items. On Friday, the charges were dropped with prejudice — meaning they cannot be filed again. Werschler also agreed to pay a $1.4 million settlement with the federal government as part of the deal to avoid a civil penalty. The Spokane dermatologist admitted to no wrongdoing as part of the settlement agreement. Lawyer Ronald Van Wert said the dismissal of such federal charges is "extraordinarily rare" and evidence of his innocence. Van Wert said the problems were the fault of an employee in Werschler's office who pleaded guilty to embezzlement in 2023. "The nature of this dismissal is highly unusual and uncommon. And between our defense team, I don't think any one of us has seen a dismissal with prejudice of criminal charges brought by a federal indictment," he said. In a statement, U.S. Attorney's Office spokesperson Rob Curry said the case's resolution was "just and in the best interest of the public." "Today's settlement restores public funds that were misused during the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, while also recognizing mistakes made by Dr. Werschler and his companies. This global resolution balances a just outcome and need to protect public funds with the unique facts of this matter," he said. According to Van Wert, federal prosecutors were misled Carol Castilla, Werschler's former bookkeeper who pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $715,000 from Werschler's Spokane Dermatology Clinic. As part of that case, Castilla provided testimony and evidence Werschler embezzled COVID relief funds. Weschler's lawyers argue they proved Castilla's testimony was fraudulent, which ultimately led to criminal charges being dropped. "This bookkeeper had a number of texts and communications between her and the Werschlers. She took that information and manipulated and misrepresented those texts, and also the financial records and the timing of various types of transactions. From our perspective, we were able to demonstrate, through our own financial analysis and our own experts, where that was inconsistent," Van Wert said. While Werschler was not aware or participated in the improper use of COVID funds, he could have been found civilly liable as the employer of Casilla, Van Wert added. Spokane Dermatology Clinic has remained open since Werschler's indictment, and the dermatologist plans to continue his practice now. "This ordeal has been emotionally and professionally devastating for me, my wife, and our employees. We are extremely pleased to put it behind us, and grateful for the support of our friends and colleagues," Werschler said in a statement. "Our greatest concern remains for our valued patients as we have tried to reassure them this case has nothing to do with the healthcare they receive at Spokane Dermatology Clinic, and that justice would prevail. We are moving forward, continuing to provide excellent care to those who trust us with their healthcare needs."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Clarksburg labor union to pay nearly $270k to settle federal PPP claims
CLARKSBURG, (WBOY) — A Clarksburg-based labor union will pay $269,995.83 to settle federal allegations of making 'false claims' under the Paycheck Protection Program. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 596 applied for and obtained loans that it wasn't eligible for under the pandemic-era program. The Paycheck Protection Program is part of the CARES Act, which provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provided loans to eligible small businesses for job retention and other expenses, and applicants had to certify their eligibility in order to receive the loans. Three other unions based in New York, Washington and California are also part of the settlement, which adds up to more than $5.1 million. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
