Former Federal Employee Accused of Leveraging Insider Access and Social Media to Steal Millions in COVID Relief Funds

ATLANTA, GA — Federal prosecutors say a former employee of both the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Internal Revenue Service exploited her government positions and social media platforms to orchestrate a multi-year scheme that siphoned millions of dollars from COVID-19 relief programs intended to help struggling businesses.

Attallah Williams, 32, of Hampton, Georgia, has been charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States after investigators say she used insider access to approve fraudulent applications, recruited accomplices online, and collected bribes and kickbacks totaling more than $3.5 million.

According to court filings, Williams allegedly embedded herself inside federal agencies responsible for administering pandemic aid, first by submitting fraudulent applications herself and later by obtaining employment that allowed her to approve claims from the inside. Prosecutors say she advertised her access to relief programs through Instagram posts and direct messages, promising quick approvals and referral payments to those who brought others into the scheme.

Investigators allege the fraud spanned four separate pandemic relief programs, including Economic Injury Disaster Loans, Paycheck Protection Program loans, SBA advance grants, and the Employee Retention Tax Credit. Many of the applications, prosecutors say, were filed in the names of businesses that were nonexistent or not operational.

After securing a position as a loan officer at the SBA, Williams allegedly used her authority to improperly approve advance grant applications submitted by recruited participants, taking a portion of the proceeds in return. When she later left the SBA and joined the IRS as a tax examining technician, prosecutors say she continued the scheme by helping conspirators file fraudulent tax documents to claim pandemic-era tax credits.

Federal officials described the case as a stark example of how public trust can be undermined when government employees abuse their access for personal gain.

“This defendant is accused of exploiting trusted positions inside the federal government to steal millions of dollars meant to keep struggling businesses afloat during a national crisis,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown.

Officials from the SBA Office of Inspector General, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office echoed that concern, emphasizing the importance of accountability to protect public confidence in government institutions.

Williams was arraigned before a U.S. magistrate judge on a federal charge of conspiracy to defraud the government. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

The case is being investigated by multiple federal agencies, with assistance from local prosecutors, as authorities continue to pursue individuals accused of exploiting pandemic relief programs for personal profit.