New Orleans Woman, Renata Foreman, Charged With Financial Aid Fraud

FOREMAN, RENATA R., age 33, a resident of New Orleans, was charged in a three count bill of information filed today with theft of government funds, mail fraud and identity theft related to her scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Education, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.

According to the Bill of Information, FOREMAN fraudulently obtained financial aid funds in the amount of $191,617 from several Louisiana and online universities.  As part of her scheme to defraud, FOREMAN applied for admission and financial aid in her name and in the name of nine individuals without their knowledge or consent. By falsifying high school graduation information and supplying forged transcripts, FOREMAN induced universities to admit her and others based on false information. FOREMAN also misrepresented her income and other applicant’s income in order to maximize the federal financial aid she illegally received.

If convicted, FOREMAN faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 as to Count 1; 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 as to Count 2; and 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 as to Count 3. FOREMAN also faces three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $300 special assessment.

U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Education-Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia K. Evans.

(Download Bill of Information )