A high-profile fugitive in a $32 million Covid pandemic relief fraud scheme has been arrested by Jamaican authorities and returned to the United States to face charges in Florida.
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Breitbart reports that 41-year-old Elaine Angene Escoe arrived back in South Florida Thursday after Jamaican authorities arrested her after a federal manhunt.
Escoe was accused of masterminding a scheme that fraudulently obtained more than $32 million in taxpayer-funded pandemic aid according to Fox News.
🚨Another @FBIMostWanted Fraudster CAPTURED
“This Most Wanted Fraudster allegedly obtained tens of millions in COVID-19 relief, stealing critical resources from legitimate businesses during a national crisis,” said Acting Attorney General @DAGToddBlanche. “She fled the country… pic.twitter.com/YhMngcug2w
— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) July 25, 2026
According to WPLG, Escoe was living under the fake identity of “Harley Newman” when local authorities tracked her down following an FBI tip.
A press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida, states that Escoe and her co-conspirators submitted over 90 fraudulent applications using fake tax documents, fabricated bank records, and inflated employee metrics. Some applications involved third parties who paid kickbacks of up to 50 percent.
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Esco was charged by indictment in 2025 with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and multiple substantive counts of wire fraud and money laundering.
After a federal arrest warrant was issued in May 2025, Escoe failed to appear for her court appearance and fled to Jamaica.
In the official press release, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said:
This Most Wanted Fraudster allegedly obtained tens of millions in COVID-19 relief, stealing critical resources from legitimate businesses during a national crisis. She fled the country believing she could escape justice but ultimately could not. Those who exploit taxpayer-funded programs will be held accountable by this Department of Justice, no matter how long it takes or where they attempt to hide.
Escoe is the final defendant charged in the scheme and that the attorney’s office also identified Alfred Davis, Cher Davis, and Latoya Clark who were convicted in the case, while two other individuals, James McGhow and Gino Jourdan, pleaded guilty.
FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital that the FBI has returned more than 30 high-value targets to the U.S. since June, including four alleged fraud suspects captured over the past five weeks who are collectively charged with nearly $1.8 billion in fraud after spending more than 3,500 days on the run across three continents.
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