San Antonio Woman Admits Role in $2M Scheme to Defraud SBA Program

Barbara Sanders pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in an alleged scheme involving the SBA's HUBZone program.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Barbara Sanders, one of seven defendants indicted in an alleged $2 million scheme to defraud the U.S. Small Business Administration's HUBZone program, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Sanders admitted to fraudulently receiving about $214,775 from the scheme, which involved placing "fake" employees on the payrolls of HUBZone companies to make them appear eligible for government contracts they did not qualify for.

Why it matters

The HUBZone program is intended to support small businesses in historically underutilized areas, but this alleged scheme allowed ineligible companies to obtain government contracts they should not have qualified for, undermining the program's purpose. The case highlights the need for stronger oversight and anti-fraud measures in government contracting programs.

The details

According to the indictment, the seven defendants collectively pocketed more than $2 million from the alleged scheme. Sanders admitted that her role involved filling out timesheets for "fake" employees based on hours provided by the scheme's organizer, Aaron Sams, and creating "work product" spreadsheets to send to companies as proof of work by these fake employees. Sanders received about $214,775 from various HUBZone companies through this scheme.

  • In 2023, a San Antonio federal grand jury indicted Sanders and six others on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government.
  • On February 9, 2026, Sanders pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud during a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry Bemporad.
  • Sanders' sentencing is scheduled for May 7, 2026.

The players

Barbara Sanders

A San Antonio resident who pleaded guilty to fraudulently receiving about $214,775 from the alleged scheme.

Aaron Sams

The operator of San Antonio-based Sams Contracting Consulting and Training LLC, who authorities say marketed his business as a government contracting consultant that could assist HUBZone companies in meeting the requirement that 35 of their employees live in a HUBZone.

Kristin Harrison

A Killeen resident who was the first to plead guilty in the case, admitting to conspiracy to defraud the government.

Jesus Rodriguez

A San Antonio resident who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Jonathan Adams

A Lawrenceville, Georgia resident who has agreed to plead guilty, though the agreement remains under seal.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This scheme allowed companies to seem like they were fulfilling their qualifications as HUBZone companies even when they were not, and in doing so, allowed those companies to bid on and obtain government contracts that they were not eligible for.”

— Barbara Sanders (Plea Agreement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on May 7, 2026 whether to accept Barbara Sanders' guilty plea and sentence her.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and anti-fraud measures in government contracting programs like the SBA's HUBZone initiative, which is intended to support small businesses in underserved areas but was allegedly exploited by a group of defendants who collectively pocketed over $2 million through fraudulent means.