One of the FBI’s most elusive fugitives, accused of COVID-19 relief fraud, is back on American soil after her capture in Jamaica. The suspect, known by the alias “Harley Newman,” was reportedly living there to dodge accusations related to a $32 million fraud scheme tied to pandemic relief, according to statements by FBI Director Kash Patel to Fox News Digital.
On Thursday, 41-year-old Elaine Angene Escoe returned to South Florida, following her apprehension by Jamaican authorities who acted under a federal warrant. Prosecutors have accused her of illicitly acquiring over $32 million from taxpayer-funded COVID-19 relief programs before she absconded, skipping a mandatory court appearance.
In 2025, Escoe faced a federal indictment with charges that included conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and various counts of money laundering, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
Following her failure to attend a court session in May 2025, a judge promptly issued an arrest warrant. Authorities believe she initially escaped to Jamaica, where she was eventually found and detained after the FBI acted on a helpful tip.
Highlighting the seriousness of the case, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche remarked to Fox News Digital, “This Most Wanted Fraudster allegedly siphoned tens of millions in COVID-19 relief, depriving essential resources from genuine businesses amid a national crisis.”
“She fled the country believing she could escape justice but ultimately could not,” he continued. “Those who exploit taxpayer-funded programs will be held accountable by this Department of Justice, no matter how long it takes or where they attempt to hide.”
Patel called Escoe’s arrest another milestone in the FBI’s international fraud crackdown, saying she is the fourth alleged “Most Wanted Fraudster” captured in the past five weeks.
“The historic success of the ‘Most Wanted Fraudster’ list continues as the FBI and our partners just captured our fourth Most Wanted Fraudster in 5 weeks, and yet another high value target returned to the US by this FBI,” Patel said. “Elaine Angene Escoe, on the run since May 2025, was captured in Jamaica while living under a fake identity of ‘Harley Newman’ — and returned to the United States today to face justice.”
Patel said Escoe is charged with being involved in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering connected to a scheme that fraudulently obtained more than $32 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
He added that the FBI has returned more than 30 high-value targets to the U.S. since June. Patel said four alleged fraud suspects captured over the past five weeks are collectively charged with nearly $1.8 billion in fraud after spending more than 3,500 days on the run across three continents.
“Under this administration, fraud is no longer tolerated — and those who steal from American taxpayers have nowhere to hide,” Patel said.
Authorities said the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the US Marshals Service, Jamaican law enforcement and the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office coordinated Escoe’s return to the US.