Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Canadian Company That Sought to Purchase Protective Surgical Masks at Outset of Covid-19 Pandemic

Julie Dotton, a business owner, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for defrauding a company seeking to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. She faces up to 20 years in prison, $8.2 million in restitution, and $8.2 million in criminal forfeiture.