A transgender activist who was once praised on national television for uplifting her community now faces up to 15 years behind bars after admitting to defrauding the US government out of more than $100,000 in pandemic relief funds.

Brandon Jarrow, 33, also known publicly as Brandi Jarrow, pleaded guilty in federal court earlier this month to two serious felonies – the theft of government funds and making false statements. 

In a dramatic reversal of the inspirational image once broadcast on PBS, the Department of Justice revealed how Jarrow faked business records to siphon money from COVID-19 relief programs meant to keep real small businesses alive.

‘Jarrow knowingly submitted fraudulent applications… to unjustly enrich herself using taxpayer dollars,’ said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.

Court documents outlined a brazen scheme that began in June 2020, when Jarrow submitted a false application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) through the Small Business Administration. 

That lie alone netted her a $95,000 payout, but Jarrow wasn’t finished.

In February 2021, amid growing scrutiny of CARES Act abuse, Jarrow submitted another fraudulent application – this time for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

She claimed payroll needs for a business that didn’t exist with the application leading to an additional $20,833 payout.

Brandi Jarrow, 33, a transgender activist faces up to 15 years behind bars after admitting to defrauding the US government out of more than $100,000 in pandemic relief funds

Jarrow was once praised on national television for uplifting her community in an inspirational PBS documentary 

Jarrow was featured in a recent PBS documentary in which she was seen striveing to open an inclusive salon in New Orleans

Jarrow pleaded guilty in federal court to two serious felonies – the theft of government funds and of making false statements

In both cases, prosecutors say, Jarrow fabricated business names, exaggerated income, and manipulated documentation in order to appear eligible for relief. 

The funds, intended to sustain struggling businesses during the COVID-19 crisis, were instead funneled into her personal accounts to the tune of almost $116,000.

Jarrow’s fall from grace is has drawn national attention not only for the scale of the fraud, but because of the media spotlight she once occupied.

In 2021, PBS featured Jarrow in a short documentary celebrating her as a ‘trans woman of color’ who had launched an ‘inclusive luxury salon’ in New Orleans. 

The segment aired as part of a series focused on marginalized entrepreneurs overcoming adversity. At the time, Jarrow was hailed as a role model.

The Department of Justice refers to her only by her legal name, Brandon Jarrow, while charging documents detail a pattern of deception that contradicts the public persona.

Although not all details have been made public, law enforcement sources have noted Jarrow’s alleged involvement in previous instances of identity theft and insurance fraud. 

According to federal authorities, her history of dishonest dealings stretches back years.

Charging documents refer to Jarrow by their former name, Brandon, pictured above

Jarrow fabricated business names, exaggerated income, and manipulated documents in order to appear eligible for relief. She funneled the money into her personal checking account 

Jarrow is scheduled to be sentenced on August 13 before when she faces up to 15 years in jail 

Jarrow is scheduled to be sentenced on August 13  before US District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo when she faces up to 10 years in prison for theft of government funds and an additional 5 years in prison for making false statements alongside $500,000 in fines.

Whether the court will impose the maximum penalties remains to be seen but the Justice Department has made clear it intends to send a message.

‘Today’s plea is another example of this office’s ongoing commitment to aggressively prosecute fraud against government programs,’ Simpson said.