Former Michigan Woman Sentenced for Pandemic-Era Loan Fraud

Tiesha Johnson received 7 months in jail for fraudulently obtaining $34,675 in COVID-19 relief funds.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:07am

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Tiesha Johnson, a former federal employee from Farmington Hills, Michigan, was sentenced to 7 months in jail for fraudulently obtaining $34,675 in Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Johnson had previously received an 11-month delayed sentence but failed to pay the required restitution, leading to the jail time.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to crack down on fraud related to pandemic relief programs, which were intended to provide critical financial assistance to businesses and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Misuse of these taxpayer-funded resources denies aid to those who truly need it.

The details

Johnson, who was a federal employee working as an analyst for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, obtained three fraudulent loans totaling $34,675. The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General referred the case to the Michigan Attorney General's Office, which led the investigation and prosecution. Johnson initially received an 11-month delayed sentence but failed to pay the required $34,675 in restitution, leading to the 7-month jail term.

  • Johnson was arrested in Dallas, Texas and brought back to Michigan in December 2023.
  • Johnson was sentenced on Wednesday in Oakland County Sixth Circuit Court.

The players

Tiesha Johnson

A 57-year-old former Farmington Hills, Michigan resident who fraudulently obtained $34,675 in COVID-19 relief funds while working as a federal employee.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel

The state attorney general who is committed to holding accountable those who misuse taxpayer funds intended for pandemic relief.

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What they’re saying

“Federal assistance programs are meant to help people during difficult times, and when someone defrauds the system, they take resources away from those who truly need them.”

— Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General

What’s next

If Johnson pays the $34,675 in restitution within 60 days, she may be able to participate in the Cognitive Behavioral Program for jail credit.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of robust oversight and accountability measures to ensure pandemic relief funds reach their intended recipients and are not exploited by those seeking to defraud the system, which can deprive aid from those who genuinely need it.