Federal prosecutors in New Orleans have charged a woman from LaPlace with stealing $280,000 in student loans and grants she obtained in other people's names.
United States Attorney Peter Strasser announced that Ashly Howard was charged this week.
A news release says, "HOWARD fraudulently received approximately $280,000 in Department of Education funds she was not entitled to receive."
It details how the 33-year-old allegedly submitted thirty applications for admission to Nunez Community College in Chalmette and created student aid accounts for all of the individuals.
"HOWARD facilitated the creation of debit cards in these individuals’ names so that the student loan proceeds could be disbursed. HOWARD accepted the grants and student loans and used the federal financial aid funds under the names of these individuals; some with, and some without, their knowledge or consent."
If convicted, she faces up to fifteen years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
