KC Reporter

A Kansas City woman has been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for her involvement in multiple fraud 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 conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She also pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and money laundering connected with fraudulent PPP loan applications under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

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

On November 14, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Adams’s rental home and discovered approximately 253 stolen Treasury checks totaling around $700,000.

Adams also worked with others to submit false PPP loan applications for various individuals. The fraudulent applications led to losses of about $540,302. As part of her sentencing judgment she was ordered to pay restitution equal to this amount.

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