Show-Me State Times

A Kansas City woman has been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for her involvement in schemes that resulted in over $500,000 in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and more than $3 million in stolen Treasury checks.

Briauna Adams, 29, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Greg Kays after pleading guilty to charges including wire fraud, money laundering, theft of government funds related to a counterfeit check scheme and stolen United States Treasury checks. Adams also admitted guilt to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering connected to fraudulent PPP loan applications under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Court documents state that Adams rented a townhome in Raymore, Missouri using another person's name and identification information. On July 27, 2024, she opened an individual investment account from this address. A few weeks later on August 15, 2024, she deposited a Treasury check for $1,445,443.69 into this account under her own name. Fraud investigators at the investment company determined the check was fake and reversed the deposit before any financial loss occurred.

Authorities executed a search warrant at Adams’s Raymore residence on November 14, 2024. During the search they found approximately 253 stolen Treasury checks with a total value of about $700,000.

Adams also worked with others to prepare and submit false PPP loan applications for several individuals. The fraudulent activity led to losses totaling around $540,302. She has been ordered by the court to pay restitution for these losses.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker following investigations conducted by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Kansas City Police Department.