(WNY News Now) – A Western New York federal case involving an Oklahoma woman sentenced to 98 months in prison was part of a nationwide enforcement effort targeting alleged fraud in COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program loans.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York joined federal agencies in a nationwide enforcement surge that resulted in cases involving more than 160 defendants and approximately $245 million in intended losses, according to the Justice Department.

The enforcement effort, known as Operation No Doze, was conducted from June 12 through Sept. 1 by the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Small Business Administration and the SBA Office of Inspector General. Federal prosecutors in more than 40 U.S. Attorney’s Offices participated, along with about 20 federal and state investigative agencies.

Among the Western District of New York cases was the sentencing of Amanda J. Gloria, 49, of Altus, Oklahoma.

Gloria was sentenced to 98 months in federal prison after admitting that she participated in a scheme involving at least 153 fraudulent PPP applications submitted on behalf of at least 111 entities between May 2020 and June 2021.

According to federal prosecutors, the applications sought approximately $43 million in PPP loans. The applications allegedly contained false information concerning employee numbers, payroll expenses, supporting documents and federal tax filings.

The recipient entities ultimately obtained approximately $31 million in PPP funds, prosecutors said. Gloria personally received at least approximately $1.7 million.

Gloria pleaded guilty in April 2022 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived proceeds. At sentencing, she was ordered to pay more than $30 million in restitution and forfeit more than $523,661.

The investigation involved the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.

Nationally, the summer enforcement surge included approximately 80 newly charged defendants, about 43 guilty pleas and roughly 40 sentencings involving COVID-related SBA loan fraud, according to the Justice Department. The cases collectively represented approximately $245 million in intended losses.

The PPP was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide financial assistance to eligible businesses. Federal authorities said the enforcement effort is focused on identifying and prosecuting individuals who allegedly obtained pandemic relief funds through fraudulent applications and other schemes.