Tametria Dantzler could potentially serve a maximum of 20 years in jail and be required to provide financial restitution to those affected by her actions.
Tametria Conner Dantzler, a 39-year-old Alabama resident and the founder of a non-profit organization dedicated to children with autism, has pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and money laundering. Dantzler was charged in relation to obtaining loans through the CARES Act and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program from the federal government.
As per a report by WSFA, Dantzler admitted to fabricating companies and providing false information in her applications for the EIDL program in June 2020. Her fraudulent actions led to her receiving a whopping $927,338.47 in forgivable loans and grants. On top of that, Dantzler also received payments and traded in fake payroll checks to assist others in obtaining over $1 million in loans and grants. While she could face up to 20 years in prison and financial restitution to her victims, a sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled, as per WSFA.
United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross has stated that the government will take legal action against individuals who are found to have used loans meant for COVID-19 relief in a fraudulent manner to enrich themselves. Ross emphasized that government fraud is a serious offense and that any financial loss incurred by the United States ultimately affects the taxpayers. He further stated that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will leave no stone unturned in identifying and prosecuting individuals who have personally benefited from funds intended to provide relief to businesses affected by the pandemic.
Tametria Conner Dantzler, who worked as an on-air reporter for WSFA between 2011-2014, established Disability as an Ability Toward Success: Moms on the Move (D.A.T.S.M.O.M.) after leaving the station. Recently, the organization announced on its social media page that Dantzler would be taking a break. The post stated that effective immediately, Dantzler would be taking a hiatus from direct services and programs that require her presence, including but not limited to training sessions, speaking engagements, and the respite care program. The reason for this break is to enable her to focus on her family.
George Richardson, the Acting Special Agent-In-Charge at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, emphasized the significance of holding Dantzler responsible for her deeds.
According to Richardson, Tametria Dantzler devised a fraudulent scheme by forging documents and diverting taxpayer funds that were supposed to assist genuine struggling businesses during an unparalleled pandemic for her personal financial gain. He stated that the HUD OIG is resolute in its resolve to collaborate with law enforcement and prosecution agencies to relentlessly pursue individuals who engage in activities that jeopardize the credibility of HUD programs.
