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Elaine Angene Escoe Captured in Jamaica After Allegedly Defrauding Federal COVID-19 Relief Programs of $32 Million

Elaine Angene Escoe was captured by Jamaican authorities and returned to South Florida to face federal charges after allegedly fleeing the United States to evade justice. Escoe was featured on the FBI's 'Most Wanted Fraudsters' list for her alleged role in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain more than $32 million in taxpayer-funded COVID-19 relief funds. Federal prosecutors allege that Escoe and her co-conspirators submitted more than 90 fraudulent applications for programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The group allegedly used fabricated tax documents and bank records to obtain funds for fake or controlled businesses, often in exchange for kickbacks. Escoe was last seen in Palm Beach County in June 2025 before failing to appear in court. FBI Director Kash Patel noted that Escoe was living under the fake identity of 'Harley Newman' while on the run. Her arrest marks the fourth capture of a person on the 'Most Wanted Fraudsters' list in recent weeks, highlighting the administration's commitment to holding fraud suspects accountable.

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