Elaine Escoe Returns from Jamaica and Pleads Not Guilty in Federal Relief Fraud Case
Fauzia J. Choudhury:
An FBI most-wanted fraud suspect accused of orchestrating a scheme involving more than $32 million in COVID-19 relief funds appeared in federal court and pleaded not guilty to the charges against her.
Elaine Ange Escoe, 41, appeared in federal court in Fort Pierce and denied allegations that she and others participated in a coordinated scheme to fraudulently obtain federal pandemic-relief money. She also requested a jury trial.
Federal prosecutors allege that the scheme targeted several emergency assistance programs created during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Restaurant Revitalization Fund, Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
According to the allegations, fraudulent applications were submitted using false information about businesses, employees, payroll, income and business operations. Investigators also allege that fabricated tax documents, bank records and other financial records were used to support the applications.
Federal authorities say the alleged scheme involved more than $32 million in pandemic-relief funds.
CAPTURED IN JAMAICA
Escoe was federally indicted in 2025. After she failed to appear in court, authorities issued a warrant for her arrest. Investigators later determined that she had fled the United States and was in Jamaica.
The FBI subsequently placed Escoe on its Most Wanted Fraud Fugitive list and offered a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to her capture.
A tip eventually helped authorities locate Escoe in Jamaica. Jamaican law enforcement agencies, working with U.S. authorities, detained her before she was returned to the United States to face the federal charges.
FACING A JURY TRIAL
During her recent arraignment, Escoe waived the formal reading of the indictment and entered not-guilty pleas to the charges. She also requested a jury trial.
She faces multiple federal charges, including allegations involving wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy.
The case is part of a much broader federal crackdown on fraud involving pandemic-relief programs. Billions of dollars were distributed during the COVID-19 crisis to help businesses, workers and organizations survive the economic impact of the pandemic.
Federal investigators have pursued numerous cases involving allegations of fake businesses, inflated payrolls, falsified tax documents and other fraudulent applications for government assistance.
Escoe’s case will now proceed through the federal court system. Prosecutors will be required to prove their allegations in court, while the defense will have an opportunity to challenge the government’s evidence.
From a nationwide manhunt to a federal courtroom, the $32 million COVID-relief fraud case now moves toward its next major legal battle.
Escoe is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
