San Antonio, Texas, November 21, 2025
A woman from San Antonio has been sentenced to federal prison for fraudulently obtaining over $480,000 in COVID relief loans meant for a volleyball club. Leticia Arceneaux, who worked in human resources for a Department of Energy agency, misappropriated funds for personal expenses rather than for the intended club operations. She will serve 12 months and pay nearly half a million dollars in restitution.
San Antonio Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for COVID Relief Fraud
San Antonio, Texas – A San Antonio woman has been sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay over $492,000 after defrauding a COVID relief program, the U.S. Department of Justice announced on November 20, 2025.
Details of the Fraud
Leticia Arceneaux, 48, worked as a human resources supervisor for a Department of Energy agency. Between August 2020 and April 2022, she unlawfully obtained $480,100 in COVID relief loans intended for a volleyball club she claimed to operate. Instead of using the funds for the club, Arceneaux diverted them for personal expenses, including purchasing a golf cart and installing a swimming pool at her home. She was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison and ordered to pay $492,841.78 in restitution for wire fraud.
Background on COVID Relief Fraud Cases
This case is part of a broader effort to address fraudulent activities related to COVID relief programs. Similar cases in Texas have resulted in significant sentences and restitution orders. For instance, in January 2025, Belinda Jo Juarez, former CEO of a San Antonio health care company, was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay over $3.6 million in restitution for tax evasion and embezzling employee health insurance premiums. In March 2023, a Dripping Springs woman was sentenced to 46 months in prison and ordered to pay over $500,000 in restitution for defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration. These cases highlight the ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for exploiting relief programs intended to assist those in need during the pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Leticia Arceneaux convicted of?
Leticia Arceneaux was convicted of wire fraud for unlawfully obtaining $480,100 in COVID relief loans intended for a volleyball club and using the funds for personal expenses.
What was her sentence?
Arceneaux was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison and ordered to pay $492,841.78 in restitution.
What is the broader context of COVID relief fraud cases in Texas?
Similar cases in Texas have resulted in significant sentences and restitution orders, including a three-year prison sentence and over $3.6 million in restitution for tax evasion and embezzling employee health insurance premiums, and a 46-month prison sentence with over $500,000 in restitution for defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Leticia Arceneaux |
| Age | 48 |
| Occupation | Human Resources Supervisor for a Department of Energy agency |
| Fraudulent Activity | Obtained $480,100 in COVID relief loans intended for a volleyball club and used funds for personal expenses |
| Sentence | 12 months and one day in federal prison |
| Restitution Ordered | $492,841.78 |
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