Mayovanet Fermin, 26, and Frnsheska Fermin, 25, siblings from Yonkers, New York, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on 68 counts related to fraud. The indictment includes charges of conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft. The indictment was unsealed after their arraignment on October 3, 2025.
United States Attorney Brian D. Miller stated that between January 2020 and July 2021, the Fermins allegedly obtained and shared lists containing personal identifying information (PII) of victims. They are accused of using this information to submit fraudulent federal income tax returns, economic impact payment applications, and pandemic unemployment assistance benefits. According to the indictment, these activities resulted in over $400,000 in fraudulent payments.
The investigation involved several agencies: Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), and United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is leading the prosecution.
The COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force was created by the Attorney General on May 17, 2021 to strengthen efforts against pandemic-related fraud across various government agencies. The task force focuses on investigating and prosecuting significant criminal actors involved in such schemes while supporting agencies responsible for administering relief programs through enhanced coordination and sharing of investigative resources. More details about the Department’s response can be found at https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Reports about attempted COVID-19-related fraud can be made via the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or through its online complaint form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
If convicted on the most serious charge, each defendant faces up to 30 years in prison along with supervised release and a fine. Sentencing will be determined by a judge based on federal statutes and guidelines.
The press release notes that indictments are allegations only; those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
This matter occurred as indicated but was not announced earlier due to a government shutdown; it was released following resumption of normal operations.
