Former Trucking Company Owner Sentenced Over “Personal Piggy Bank” Scheme
A former trucking company owner from Dacula, Georgia, was sentenced after fraudulently obtaining pandemic relief funds, according to federal prosecutors. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said the case reflects continued efforts to pursue individuals who misused disaster-relief programs.
Former trucking owner sentenced
Preston Fleming, 68, of Dacula, was sentenced on Friday in connection with the fraudulent acquisition of pandemic relief funds. The available court information did not specify the length or other terms of his sentence.
Prosecutors said Fleming’s conduct involved misusing programs created to provide financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case was handled in federal court.
Federal officials warn against misuse of relief programs
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said some individuals treated pandemic assistance programs as sources of personal funds rather than emergency aid.
“My office will continue to hold accountable anyone who treated disaster relief programs as a personal piggy bank,” Pirro said.
She also characterized Fleming’s actions as showing “a blatant audacity to commit fraud.”
