A Louisiana resident pleaded guilty on May 28 in federal court in Boston to participating in a multi-state scheme that sought millions of dollars from the Paycheck Protection Program for herself and others.
Lisa Lemoine, 38, of Bossier City, Louisiana, admitted guilt to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled her sentencing for Sept. 1, 2026. Lemoine was charged with the offense in March 2026.
According to court documents, Lemoine conspired with Sniders Jean-Jacques, Lorne Johnson, Tanya Pierre, Ashley Spike and others to submit fraudulent PPP applications on behalf of borrowers and collected up to 30 percent of loan proceeds as fees for securing these loans. Beginning in March 2021, she recruited borrowers who were not eligible for PPP loans by claiming they operated qualifying businesses and created false tax forms to support their applications. She received kickbacks from successful applicants and shared these proceeds with her co-conspirators.
Jean-Jacques, Johnson, Pierre and Spike have been charged separately with conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to this case. The charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment, three years supervised release and a fine up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the scheme—whichever is greater. Sentences are determined by federal judges according to guidelines governing criminal cases.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation; Jason Xerri from the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General; and Randy Maloney from the U.S. Secret Service announced the plea agreement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Kearney is prosecuting the case.
On March 26, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team—a district-wide initiative led by two senior prosecutors—to investigate misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits across Massachusetts. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud by calling a dedicated hotline number provided by authorities.
The Department of Justice also launched its National Fraud Enforcement Division on April 7 as part of efforts supporting President Trump’s Task Force chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance, aimed at eliminating fraud within federal benefit programs.
The details contained in charging documents remain allegations until proven beyond reasonable doubt at trial for remaining defendants.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts enforces federal laws—including national security threats and civil rights violations—and serves all residents statewide through prosecutions as part of its role within the United States Department of Justice; it employs over 200 staff members across offices including those at John Joseph Moakley United States Federal Courthouse in Boston as well as branches in Springfield and Worcester, according to the official website.
