SPOKANE, Wash. — Back in 2020, former President Donald Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Act supplied numerous programs with funds for small businesses to remain open during shutdowns and virus-impacted businesses.
The Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, Vanessa Waldref, announced that a Spokane Valley couple has been indicted for fraud in connection to COVID-19 relief funding.
Jennifer and Hilderbrand, ages 52 and 53, were charged with eight counts of fraud. The couple allegedly applied for and received over $360,000 for their company, Hilderbrand Auto Service, but the couple intended to and did use the funds for another company, Powerline Enterprise LLC. Powerline Enterprise had previously been denied the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds.
“We created the Eastern Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force because combatting pandemic-related fraud and holding those accountable who abused these programs is critical to the strength and safety of our community in Eastern Washington, stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My Office will continue to lead the effort to prosecute those who stole money intended for those in legitimate need.”
The Hilderbrand's fraud charges could carry sentences of up to 20 years in federal prison.
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