JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A woman was charged with grand theft and other charges after being accused of submitting fraudulent applications for a COVID-19 rental assistance program and obtaining thousands of dollars, according to Jacksonville’s Office of Inspector General.
On Thursday, officials said Chauntel Tamicka Francis was charged with grand theft, organized fraud and money laundering after the OIG conducted a review of applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance program (ERAP), and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit found evidence indicating that Francis fraudulently obtained almost $100,000 from the City of Jacksonville and the State of Florida.
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According to the OIG, the ERAP was a U.S. Treasury grant designed to give financial support to eligible renters affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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On April 3, an arrest warrant was issued for Francis and charged in connection with this case, officials said.
However, according to the OIG, Francis was already incarcerated, serving four years in Florida State Prison on an unrelated gun possession charge.
This case will be handled by the Special Prosecution Division of the State Attorney’s Office.
The OIG encouraged the public to report any instances of fraud, waste, and abuse at (904)255-5800 or InspectorGeneral@coj.net.