A resident of Baton Rouge has been sentenced to federal prison for misappropriating funds intended for pandemic relief. Gernesia Williams, aged 47, was convicted of converting government funds and will serve 13 months in federal custody. The court also mandated three years of supervised release following her incarceration and ordered her to repay $110,030.47. The misuse involved diverting substantial sums allocated for economic recovery into personal expenditures, including a lavish destination wedding.

Williams' actions unfolded during the period from April 2020 to January 2023. She obtained over $100,000 through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which was specifically designed to provide financial support to businesses suffering economic harm due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of using these funds as promised for business-related expenses, Williams chose to indulge in personal luxuries. Among her expenditures were significant amounts spent on jewelry and organizing an extravagant wedding ceremony in Florida.

The EIDL program was established to offer critical assistance to small businesses impacted by the global health crisis. Applicants were required to commit to using the funds exclusively for maintaining operational stability and mitigating financial losses caused by the pandemic. Despite this clear stipulation, Williams disregarded the terms and conditions, leading to her legal consequences. Her actions not only violated trust but also deprived legitimate recipients of much-needed aid.

Following her conviction, Williams must now face the repercussions of her actions. In addition to the prison term and supervised release, she is required to make full restitution. This case underscores the importance of adhering to the intended use of public funds, especially during times of crisis when resources are meant to support those most in need. It serves as a stark reminder of the legal ramifications that follow such misconduct.