Cassandra Yolanda Clarke, a 45-year-old business owner from Miramar, Florida, appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Fort Lauderdale on December 4 to face charges related to fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
According to the indictment, Clarke is accused of submitting fraudulent loan and grant applications on behalf of Narotique Med Spa LLC and Narotique Beauty Bar Inc.
She allegedly submitted falsified IRS tax forms as part of these applications to obtain COVID-19 relief funds from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and PPP participating lenders. As a result, Clarke is accused of receiving approximately $851,894 in fraudulent relief funds.
The indictment further alleges that Clarke used the misappropriated funds to lease a Bentley Bentayga and make luxury purchases at the Bal Harbour Shops.
Clarke faces three counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison for money laundering and up to 20 years for wire fraud. A federal district court judge will determine her sentence, considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI’s Miami Field Office. The investigation was carried out by FBI Miami’s Palm Beach Resident Agency, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Bailyn.
