SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The United States Attorney’s Office Northern District of Indiana announced 59-year-old Tonya R. Winston, of South Bend, was found guilty after a three-day jury trial for one count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, three counts of Wire Fraud, and one count of Theft of Government Money.

Documents in the case reveal Winston devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain loans through the Paycheck Protection Program, a COVID-19 pandemic relief program intended to provide loans to small businesses.

Authorities say Winston obtained several loans for herself by submitting false loan applications, while helping others to do the same.

Winston's sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 25.