Macomb County, Michigan, January 16, 2026
Rita Shaba, a 40-year-old woman from Macomb County, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for her role in a $3 million Paycheck Protection Program fraud scheme. In addition to her prison sentence, Shaba must pay nearly $3.3 million in restitution. She, along with her co-conspirators, submitted false loan applications claiming funds would be used for legitimate business purposes. Law enforcement has managed to recover over $2 million of the fraudulent funds.
Mount Clemens, Michigan – Macomb County Woman Sentenced in $3 Million Fraud Case
Rita Shaba, 40, of Macomb County, Michigan, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for her involvement in a multimillion-dollar Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud scheme. She was also ordered to pay $3,294,798.50 in restitution.
Shaba, along with co-conspirators Samer Kammo and Christina Anasi, submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications for several businesses. These applications misrepresented payroll information and falsely certified that the loan funds would be used for permissible business-related purposes. They also submitted fictitious payroll, health insurance, bank, and tax records to support the loan applications. Together, they received over $3 million in fraudulent PPP loan funds. To date, law enforcement has seized and recovered more than $2.1 million of those funds. Shaba pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. Kammo and Anasi are still awaiting sentencing.
The Paycheck Protection Program was established by Congress to provide assistance to businesses affected by the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Shaba’s actions exploited this program intended to support businesses and workers during a national emergency.
Background on the Case
The fraudulent activities involved the submission of false information and documents to secure PPP loans under false pretenses. The scheme resulted in the unlawful acquisition of funds meant to aid businesses during the pandemic. The recovery of over $2.1 million of the fraudulent funds highlights the efforts of law enforcement agencies to address and mitigate such fraudulent activities.
Related Legal Actions in Macomb County
In recent years, Macomb County has seen several significant legal actions related to fraud and financial misconduct:
- Lisa Ludy Sentenced for Stealing from Vulnerable Adults
Lisa Ludy, 54, was sentenced to 3 to 20 years in prison on 18 felony counts for stealing from two vulnerable adults under her care. She was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims. - Jennifer Hayes Sentenced for Assault with Intent to Murder
Jennifer Hayes, 30, was sentenced to 10.5 to 30 years in prison after being convicted of assaulting her boyfriend with intent to murder, resulting in severe life-threatening injuries. - Monique Owens Sentenced for Fraudulent Grant Application
Monique Owens, former mayor of Eastpointe, was sentenced to six months of probation and 100 hours of community service after pleading no contest to making a false statement in a COVID relief grant application.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Rita Shaba, 40, Macomb County, Michigan |
| Conviction | Conspiring to commit wire fraud and bank fraud |
| Sentence | 27 months in federal prison |
| Restitution | $3,294,798.50 |
| Co-conspirators | Samer Kammo and Christina Anasi (awaiting sentencing) |
| Fraudulent Funds | Over $3 million in PPP loan funds received; over $2.1 million recovered |
| Program Exploited | Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Rita Shaba convicted of?
Rita Shaba was convicted of conspiring to commit wire fraud and bank fraud in connection with a multimillion-dollar Paycheck Protection Program fraud scheme.
How much restitution was Shaba ordered to pay?
Shaba was ordered to pay $3,294,798.50 in restitution.
What is the Paycheck Protection Program?
The Paycheck Protection Program was established by Congress to provide assistance to businesses affected by the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
What other legal actions have taken place in Macomb County?
Other significant legal actions in Macomb County include the sentencing of Lisa Ludy for stealing from vulnerable adults, Jennifer Hayes for assault with intent to murder, and Monique Owens for a fraudulent grant application.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
LaFontaine Management Inc. Settles $1.5 Million PPP Loan Misrepresentation
Ann Arbor Police Seek Suspect in Bank Incident
Voting Open for Metro Detroit’s Favorite Businesses
Detroit CPA Sentenced for $14.5 Million COVID-19 Loan Fraud
Detroit Accountant Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud
Metro Detroit Businessman Charged with Wire Fraud and Money Laundering
Detroit Man Admits to Ripping Off $14 Million in COVID-19 Relief Funds
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
