Springfield Woman Receives Probation for Wire Fraud

A Springfield, Illinois, woman, Amber Bolen, 43, of the 200 block of South Durkin Drive was sentenced today to three years of probation, to include three months’ home confinement, for three counts of wire fraud related to fraudulently obtaining pandemic related benefits.

At Bolen’s sentencing hearing, Senior U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough found that Bolen’s action deprived actual small businesses of receiving loan funds. Judge Myerscough also noted that some of those businesses had to close due to the effects of the pandemic and the depletion of funds.

At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Bolen submitted false information to the Small Business Association to obtain an Economic Injury Disaster Loan. Bolen claimed that she operated a limousine and transportation business that employed 11 people, had over $90,000 in gross revenue in the prior year, and had operated since 2013. The information was false, as Bolen never operated any such business.

Bolen pleaded guilty to the charges in October 2022 and has remained free on bond.

The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sierra Senor-Moore represented the government in the prosecution.