A Forsyth County resident has pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to a scheme involving COVID-19 emergency rental assistance funds. Shakerra Aarka Jones, 48, entered her plea on August 6 in federal court, according to Clifton T. Barrett, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.
Court documents state that Jones submitted fraudulent applications to the City of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program during 2021 and 2022. The ERA program was intended to help low-income residents who were behind on rent or utilities due to the pandemic. Eligibility required tenants and property owners to provide supporting documentation.
Authorities said Jones falsely claimed that her business, BAS Tax Service, was a property owner owed back rent. Neither Jones nor BAS Tax Service owned any property. The applications included fake rental agreements, arrears letters, and property management agreements with forged signatures and false information. After approval, checks were issued to BAS Tax Service as the supposed property owner; with one exception, Jones deposited these funds into an account under her name doing business as BAS Tax Service. In total, she obtained $135,501 in ERA funds through this scheme.
Sentencing is set for November 24, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. in Greensboro before United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. At sentencing, Jones could face up to twenty years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and monetary penalties.
“The United States Secret Service, Winston-Salem Police Department, and Forsyth County Department of Social Services Program Integrity Unit are investigating,” according to the press release. “The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Jeanne Dildine.”
