Laplace Woman Indicted for False Statements to Small Business Administration and Falsification of Bankruptcy Records

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LATRICIA HOPE HAYNES MOLIERE ("MOLIERE"), age 50, a resident of LaPlace, was indicted on October 4, 2024 for False Statements to the Small Business Administration (SBA), and for Falsification of Records in a Bankruptcy Case, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1001 and 1519.

According to court documents, on or about March 13, 2021, MOLIERE falsely stated that she was a sole proprietor with an average monthly payroll of $8,041 on a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application (Count One). In support of the PPP application, MOLIERE attached a fraudulent Internal Revenue Service Form 1040 Schedule C. In addition, beginning on or about May 3, 2021 and continuing until at least September 13, 2021, MOLIERE made false statements in a bankruptcy case, including, by failing to disclose her receipt of PPP funds (Count Two).

If convicted of Count One, MOLIERE faces a prison term of up to five years, up to three years of supervised release and, a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of Count Two, MOLIERE faces a prison term of up to twenty years, up to three years of supervised release and, a fine of up to $250,000. As to each count, MOLIERE also faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.

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