A Montgomery non-profit founder and former WSFA reporter pleaded guilty on Wednesday to defrauding the federal government of over $2 million in COVID-19 relief funds.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 39-year-old Tametria Conner Dantzler of Montgomery pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges related to loans received through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
In June 2020, Dantzler made false statements on EIDL applications. Dantzler claimed she created companies, including Conner Consulting LLC, and represented that the companies met the program requirements for EIDL loans. In all, Dantzler obtained approximately $927,338.47 in grants and forgivable loans. She also accepted fees or traded fake payroll checks in exchange for assisting others in obtaining an additional $1,049,864 in grants and forgivable loans to which they were not entitled. Also, in her plea agreement, Dantzler admitted she used some of the proceeds for unauthorized purposes, such as buying a house and paying off a vehicle for her husband.
According to U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ross, Dantzler faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and an order of restitution to her victims.
"Government fraud is not a victimless crime," Ross said. "A financial loss to the United States is a loss to the U.S. taxpayer. The U.S. Attorney's Office, along with law enforcement partners, will continue efforts to identify and prosecute anyone personally profiting from funds intended to provide relief for businesses."
In 2018, Dantzler founded a non-profit called Disability as an Ability Toward Success: Moms on the Move (D.A.T.S.M.O.M.). The organization was started to help children on the autism spectrum and their parents optimize their disabilities. On July 3, D.A.T.S.M.O.M. announced Dantzler was taking a hiatus to "focus on her family."
WSFA said Dantzler was an on-air reporter for WSFA between 2011 and 2014 under the name Tametria Conner.
"I hope those who defrauded the COVID-19 relief programs are noticing the number of people being held accountable in the justice system for their crimes," said Demetrius Hardeman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. "IRS Criminal Investigation special agents and our law enforcement partners continue initiating new investigations on people who diverted COVID-19 relief money into their own pockets which was intended to help economically stress businesses."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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