Missouri state rep resigns after federal conviction for COVID-19 fraud scheme
A Missouri state lawmaker resigned on Friday after a jury found her guilty on 22 counts for fraudulently accepting hundreds of thousands of pandemic-era federal stimulus dollars and other offenses.
Missouri state Rep. Tricia Derges (R) was convicted on Tuesday after she applied for nearly $900,000 in CARES Act funds for what she said were COVID-19 testing costs incurred by nonprofit Lift Up, but the organization never provided any testing services, according to a press release from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Derges was also found guilty on Tuesday in separate schemes in which she fraudulently marketed a stem cell treatment and illegally prescribed drugs to patients.
“It has truly been an honor to serve the citizens of the 140th District,” Derges wrote in her resignation letter, where she made no mention of the charges. “They are some of the finest people I have ever met. To be a part of the process that helped bring positive change to our community and to assist with many of the personal struggles of my constituents is something I will forever treasure.”
Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/3545611-missouri-state-rep-resigns-after-federal-conviction-for-covid-19-fraud-scheme/
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