https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2025/apr/17/jacksonville-resident-charged-with-fraud-grand-theft-and-money-laundering/

The city Office of Inspector General said April 17 that its review of applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program found that Jacksonville resident Chauntel Tamicka Francis submitted fraudulent applications for ERAP funds.

The program was a U.S. Treasury grant established to provide financial support to eligible renters affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It referred the case to law enforcement for additional investigation, according to a news release.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit found evidence indicating that Francis fraudulently obtained nearly $100,000 from the city and the state of Florida.

On April 3, an arrest warrant was issued for Francis, charging her with organized fraud, grand theft and financial transaction involving proceeds of unlawful activity, often referred to as “money laundering.”

The case is being handled by the Special Prosecution Division of the State Attorney’s Office for the 4th Judicial Circuit.

Francis currently is serving four years in Florida State Prison on an unrelated gun possession charge, OIG said.

The Office of Inspector General provides independent oversight of government operations, detects and prevents fraud, waste, mismanagement, misconduct and other abuses by elected and appointed officials and employees, contractors, their subcontractors and other parties doing business with the city or receiving city funds.