The first of sixteen defendants charged with illegally receiving funds available due to the COVID-19 pandemic pled guilty Thursday morning in Lancaster County. According to a press release from the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, Danaziah Garcia, 25, of Lancaster County, plead guilty to theft by deception, criminal conspiracy, receiving stolen property, forgery, and unsworn falsification to authorities.
The scheme, which involved individuals submitting fraudulent applications for rental assistance, was allegedly lead by former Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment (LCHRA) employee, Brandice Reyes-Alvarez. "The Lancaster County ERAP was established in March 2021 to provide rental and utility payments to landlords and utility companies to keep residents housed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for the program was provided by the U.