KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An Independence, Missouri, woman pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday for taking part in a national fraud scheme.

Cathy M. Kelley, 69, pleaded guilty to knowingly receiving stolen government money.

Kelley admitted that, in September 2020, she received $59,900 in Economic Injury Disaster Loan proceeds from the U.S. Small Business Administration after another individual submitted a fraudulent application requesting the funds. Kelley used the stolen funds to purchase personal items and make large cash withdrawals, the DOJ said in a news release.

Kelley also admitted that, in 2020 and 2021, she knowingly received stolen unemployment benefits from the State of Washington, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, State of Colorado, State of Florida, State of Kansas, State of Cali

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