3 Nampa-Area Suspects Charged In COVID-19 Scam

It might be 2025, but that doesn't mean we're done hearing about COVID-19. This time, instead of vaccinations and restrictions, we're hearing about three individuals being charged with a serious scam... and they're facing some serious charges.

Three Nampa-Area Suspects Plead Guilty

The United States Attorney's Office - District of Idaho recently shared that three suspects pled guilty to bank fraud charges after it was discovered they were defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

According to the US Attorney's office, the "PPP was a COVID-19 pandemic relief program administered by the Small Business Administration that provided forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other related business expenses."

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Apparently, three individuals saw the fund as an opportunity to pull a fast one, but as we all know, this is America, and that won't fly in America! The US Attorney's Office revealed that Miguel Vittorio, Yessenia Casillas, and Luis Vasquez all pleaded guilty in separate federal cases relating to the COVID-19 scam.

How Much Money Did They Steal?

Vittorio is facing up to 30 years in federal prison, a max fine of $250,0000, and up to 5 years of supervised release when he is sentenced on June 16th for bank fraud. It is being reported that Vittorio stole around $126,800 in fake loan money.

Casillas will also be sentenced at the end of this month on the 29th after pleading guilty to bank fraud. She faces up to 30 years in federal prison, a max fine of $250,000, and up to 5 years of supervised release. Casillas reportedly stole about $74,500 in fraudulent loans.

Like Vittorio and Casillas, Vasquez is facing up to 30 years, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years of supervised release. According to the US Attorney's Office, Vasquez received his sentencing on April 16th, but did not share additional details in their press release. The US Attorney's Office says Vasquez stole around $51,614 in fraudulent loan money.