Former TV Anchor Stephanie Hockridge Gets 10-Year Sentence for Multi-Million Dollar COVID Fraud
Disgraced former television anchor Stephanie Hockridge has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for her role in a sprawling multi-million-dollar COVID-19 fraud scheme.
Hockridge, who once fronted prime-time news broadcasts, was convicted for participating in a criminal network that illegally obtained pandemic relief funds meant for struggling businesses and individuals. Prosecutors said she conspired with others to file fraudulent applications, diverting large sums into personal accounts and luxury purchases.
Federal investigators revealed that the scheme ran for months during the height of the pandemic, siphoning off relief funds at a time when many Americans were facing severe financial hardship.
In addition to the prison term, the court ordered Hockridge to pay substantial restitution to the U.S. government. Authorities say further arrests and prosecutions connected to the scheme are expected as investigations continue.
