Catherine Spidell-Ferguson pleaded guilty on April 24 to taking part in a conspiracy to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program of about $1.2 million, according to United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. Her husband, D’Angelo Ferguson, had already pleaded guilty in January for his role in the same case.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address fraud related to government relief programs established during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to plea documents, D’Angelo Ferguson admitted that he was involved in submitting three separate PPP loan applications containing false information and fake supporting documents. The applications included claims about company income and payroll expenses that were not true. Catherine Spidell-Ferguson admitted her involvement with one of these fraudulent loans.
“Fraud is a plague on our Nation. It takes many forms—and all of them weaken our economy and steal from the American taxpayer. Name a program, and someone is trying to scam it. It is time to make the scammers pay,” said Gorgon.
Both defendants face possible maximum sentences of up to 30 years in prison without parole, fines up to $1 million, and up to five years of supervised release after any prison term. Sentencing will take place before United States District Judge Laurie J. Michelson following preparation of a presentence report.
The Department of Justice has formed the National Fraud Enforcement Division with a mission focused on investigating and prosecuting those who misuse taxpayer funds. These efforts support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, which aims at reducing fraud within federal benefit programs under Vice President J.D. Vance’s leadership.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation into this case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Dorval Norwood.
