A fugitive who allegedly conspired to gain more than $32 million in COVID-relief funds was captured in Jamaica and returned to the United States.
According to the FBI, Elaine Escoe had been living under the name “Harley Newman” in Jamaica after fleeing the United States in May of 2025. Escoe had been listed on the FBI’s "Most Wanted Fraudsters" list for only two months before Jamaican authorities were tipped off about her whereabouts. She was then arrested and returned to South Florida.
The new “Fraudster” list was announced in June 2026 to raise awareness about fugitives with deep involvement in fraud rather than violent crime. The list is intended to target individuals accused of involvement in pandemic-era relief fraud, tax fraud, and other large-scale financial crime.
A broad sweep of pandemic relief fund fraud
Along with her crew, Escoe created and submitted fraudulent relief applications to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) fund. In order to scam the relief funds, the group created false financial documents, fake payroll tax and revenue documentation, and other business-related material to accompany their fake applications.
In some instances, businesses fraudulently applying for the funds were run by co-conspirators, or the conspirators were paid up to a 50% kickback from the proceeds of loans they obtained for other businesses.
The U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida stated, “Elaine Escoe allegedly helped orchestrate a sprawling scheme that fraudulently obtained more than $32 million from programs created to keep American businesses and workers afloat during the pandemic. After being charged, she failed to appear in court and fled to Jamaica.”
Escoe is the last remaining defendant charged in the scheme. Her fellow co-conspirators have already been convicted or pleaded guilty to charges that include multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering and face prison terms ranging from three to 19 years.
Questions about PPP or pandemic relief fund compliance?
The IRS continues to focus on fraud involving pandemic relief programs. If you are unsure about the eligibility of a past application or have concerns about compliance, obtaining legal guidance early can help you better understand your situation and potential risks.
Our firm represents clients on issues involving tax fraud, tax compliance, criminal tax investigations, and related litigation. Contact Robert J. Fedor, L.L.C., at 440-250-9709. We serve clients across the United States and internationally from our offices in Cleveland and Chicago.
