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JACKSON, Miss. – Today State Auditor Shad White announced that Ethel Cain, Cleveland business owner, was found guilty on two counts of false representations and one count of wire fraud.
Cain used her company, Lifeline Financial Freedom Solutions (LFFS), to fraudulently submit grant applications on behalf of other businesses to obtain the CARES Act stimulus funding administered by MDA in a “Back to Business” grant program.
Representatives from MDA reported LFFS to the Auditor’s office after denying several grant applications submitted by the company. Cain submitted nearly $400,000 worth of potentially fraudulent grant applications, the vast majority of which were denied. Special Agents identified $38,500 in grant payments made as a result of this fraud.
“This was my office’s first case arresting someone for COVID stimulus fraud,” said State Auditor Shad White. “I’m thankful to the agents in my office and the prosecutors who took the case for their work in bringing it to a close.”
Cain was found guilty by jury trial in the Bolivar County Circuit Court. Cain’s sentencing will be held at a later date.
Suspected fraud can be reported to the Auditor’s office at any time by clicking the red button at www.osa.ms.gov or calling 1-(800)-321-1275 during normal business hours.
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