A woman from Mississippi has received her sentencing for committing two counts of false representations and one count of wire fraud in Bolivar County.
According to State Auditor Shad White, Ethel Cain allegedly engaged in fraudulent activities by utilizing her company, Lifeline Financial Freedom Solutions (LFFS), to submit grant applications on behalf of other businesses. These applications were intended to secure funding from the CARES Act stimulus through the “Back to Business” grant program administered by MDA.
“These COVID stimulus funds were a lifeline to Mississippi small businesses, the people they employed, and the communities they sustained,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “This abuse was not just opportunistic, it was hurtful. We will continue to hold those who defraud our State accountable and seek justice for the people.”
MDA representatives reported LFFS to the Auditor’s office after they denied multiple grant applications submitted by the company. Cain, the individual responsible, submitted grant applications worth almost $400,000, which were found to be potentially fraudulent. The majority of these applications were denied. Special Agents investigating the case discovered that $38,500 in grant payments had been made as a result of this fraudulent activity.
Cain was convicted by a jury trial in the Bolivar County Circuit Court. On February 18, 2025, Judge Linda F. Coleman sentenced Cain to five years probation on each count, which will run concurrently. Additionally, Cain is obligated to pay $500 to the crime victim’s compensation fund.
