Nevada, Sacramento Women Plead Guilty to COVID-19 Fraud Schemes

Candies Goode-McCoy, a Las Vegas woman, has pleaded guilty to fraudulently seeking nearly $100 million in COVID-19 tax credits through a scheme involving approximately 1,200 false tax returns. From June 2022 to September 2023, she conspired with others to claim refunds based on the employee retention credit and paid sick and family leave credit, ultimately receiving over $1.3 million in fraudulent refunds. The IRS paid about $33 million before the scheme was uncovered, and McCoy used the illicit funds for luxury purchases, including cars and vacations. She faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, with sentencing set for February 23, 2026. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat fraud related to pandemic relief programs. Similar fraud cases have emerged, including another involving a Sacramento woman who defrauded the state out of $2.6 million in unemployment benefits.