Florida Woman on Trial for $29 Million COVID-Relief Fraud Arrested Again After Driving a Stolen U-Haul Van

Florida — A 39-year-old woman already facing federal charges in a massive $29 million COVID-relief fraud conspiracy was arrested again this week after police discovered she was driving a stolen U-Haul van near the U.S. District Court. The woman, identified as Latoya Clark, was stopped Wednesday after a license plate reader flagged the vehicle as stolen, prompting officers to pull her over just blocks from the courthouse where she was scheduled to appear.

License Plate Reader Alerts Officers to Stolen Vehicle

According to police, Clark was driving a U-Haul cargo van that had been rented for a one-day period nearly two months earlier. When the van was never returned, the rental company reported it stolen, and the vehicle was entered into law enforcement databases.

A patrol unit spotted the van after an automated license plate reader alerted officers to its stolen status. Clark was pulled over without incident. As officers began placing her in handcuffs, one of them attempted to explain why she was being detained. Clark quickly responded, “Oh, I know why,” suggesting she was already aware of the van’s status. Clark also reportedly told officers she was on her way to the courthouse for proceedings related to her federal fraud case.

Already Facing Serious Federal Fraud Allegations

Clark is one of several individuals accused in a sweeping federal investigation into a multi-million-dollar COVID-relief fraud scheme, in which prosecutors say conspirators obtained $29 million in government loans and grants intended for pandemic assistance. The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other felony offenses tied to misuse of federal emergency relief programs.

Several of the charges Clark faces carry maximum penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison, meaning she was already confronting a lengthy sentence before her latest arrest.

Federal investigators say the conspiracy involved falsifying business records, inflating employee numbers, forging financial statements and submitting fraudulent applications for pandemic relief programs designed to help struggling businesses during the height of COVID-19 economic shutdowns.

New Charges Add to Her Legal Troubles

Clark’s arrest for allegedly operating a stolen vehicle now adds another layer of legal complications. Police say the U-Haul van had been overdue for nearly 60 days, far beyond the original rental agreement. It is unclear whether the vehicle was being used for transportation to court or for other purposes.

The discovery prompted officers to take her into custody and transport her for processing on the stolen-vehicle charges. These new allegations could significantly impact her ongoing federal case, particularly if prosecutors argue they demonstrate continued disregard for legal obligations while she is already facing trial.

Police Emphasize Importance of Automated Enforcement Tools

Authorities highlighted that the incident underscores the usefulness of license plate recognition technology, which alerts patrol officers in real time when a vehicle connected to a crime is detected. In this case, the system helped officers intercept a suspect already involved in a high-profile federal investigation.

Local officials have not yet disclosed whether additional charges will be filed connected to the stolen van, but Clark is expected to face a judge for both her new arrest and her ongoing fraud case in the coming days. For continuing updates on major criminal cases, federal investigations and breaking public-safety news, visit NapervilleLocal.com.