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| Federal agents escort Elaine Angene Escoe after her return to South Florida. Authorities allege she participated in a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $32 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds. Photo: FBI Miami. |
FBI Returns Alleged $32 Million COVID-19 Relief Fraud Fugitive to South Florida Following Capture in Jamaica
MIAMI, Fla. — An alleged fugitive accused of participating in a multi-million-dollar COVID-19 relief fraud scheme has been returned to South Florida after being apprehended in Jamaica, the FBI announced.
According to the FBI Miami Field Office, special agents escorted Elaine Angene Escoe back to the United States following her capture by Jamaican authorities. Investigators say Escoe is accused of participating in a conspiracy involving wire fraud and money laundering tied to the fraudulent acquisition of more than $32 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
Federal authorities said a warrant was issued for Escoe's arrest on May 22, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. She allegedly failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing on June 5, 2025, after investigators determined she had fled to Jamaica.
According to the FBI, Jamaican authorities located and arrested Escoe after receiving a tip regarding her whereabouts.
The investigation and international apprehension were the result of a coordinated effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including:
- FBI Miami
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
- U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida
- Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office
- U.S. Marshals Service
- U.S. Diplomatic Security Service Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston
- Jamaican Constabulary Force
- Jamaica Fugitive Apprehension Team
The FBI said Escoe's return to the United States underscores the agency's continued commitment to pursuing individuals accused of financial crimes, regardless of where they flee.
"This is another example, in a series of examples, of the FBI's resolve to bring financial fraudsters to justice," the FBI Miami Field Office said in announcing the case update.
Escoe is expected to face the federal charges outlined in the Southern District of Florida indictment. As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Photo Credit: FBI Miami
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| Federal agents escort Elaine Angene Escoe after her return to South Florida. Authorities allege she participated in a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $32 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds. Photo: FBI Miami. |
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| Federal agents escort Elaine Angene Escoe after her return to South Florida. Authorities allege she participated in a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $32 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds. Photo: FBI Miami. |
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