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Four People Plead Guilty To Fraud Charges

Four individuals responsible for approximately $1.3 million in losses for the state of Illinois plead guilty to mail and wire fraud and money laundering. 

 

42-year-old Tarnavis Lee of Burbank, 42-year-old Demetra Jackson of Chicago, 40-year-old LaShanda Hudson of S. Maplewood in Chicago, and 47-year-old Elizabeth McFarland of Madison, Tennessee all pleading guilty to various charges. 

 

According to the three indictments as well as their plea agreements, the individuals engaged in schemes to defraud the Illinois Department of Human Services Child Care Assistance Program. They submitted false claims for childcare services that were not provided. 

 

Both Lee and Hudson have agreed to pay a total of more than $160,000 in fines. 

 

Lee pleaded guilty on two counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering as she was responsible for over $900,000 in losses. 

 

In October, Jackson pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. She agreed she cost the government approximately $250,000. 

 

Also in October, McFarland pleaded guilty on one count of wire Fraud. She agreed she caused a loss of over $228,000. 

 

In November, Hudson pleaded to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. She agrees she cost the government over $421,000. 

 

All defendants remain free on bond pending sentencing. 

 

Investigations by the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, St. Louis Field Office and the Illinois State Police Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau - Central Division helped in the investigation.

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