Elaine Angene Escoe, a 41‑year‑old former Florida resident, has returned to the United States after authorities captured her in Jamaica. The suspect is charged with participating in a $32 million COVID‑19 relief fraud scheme.
While on the run, Escoe used the alias “Harley Newman” to conceal her identity. She fled the country after failing to appear in federal court in May 2025.
In 2025, prosecutors filed charges that include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and multiple counts of money laundering. The indictment alleges she helped fraudulently secure more than $32 million in taxpayer‑funded pandemic relief funds.
The arrest followed a federal manhunt triggered by a judge’s arrest warrant issued after Escoe’s court appearance was missed. A tip from the FBI led Jamaican authorities to locate and detain her.
Federal officials emphasized that the return of Escoe underscores that no individual is beyond the reach of American justice. The Justice Department will continue to pursue those who defraud public funds.
FBI leadership highlighted the capture as part of an international fraud crackdown. The agency reports that this is the fourth high‑profile fraud suspect apprehended in the past five weeks.
Since June, more than 30 high‑value targets have been returned to the United States. The collective charges against these suspects amount to nearly $1.8 billion in alleged fraud.
Coordination between the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, Jamaican law enforcement, and the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office facilitated Escoe’s extradition.
