U.S. Attorney’s Office hosts fraud forum, announces creation of fraud task force in Southern District of Indiana

United States Attorney Thomas E. Wheeler II and federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office convened a forum of 20 federal law enforcement agencies to discuss enhanced collaboration and whole-of-government strategies to eliminate fraud and theft from taxpayer-funded programs in Indiana.

U.S. Attorney Wheeler also announced the creation of the Southern District of Indiana (SDIN) Fraud Task Force—consisting of federal prosecutors and special agents, forensic accountants, analysts, and others from federal law enforcement agencies—which, through data-sharing and investigative cooperation, will detect, investigate, and prosecute those who defraud and steal from taxpayers.  This Task Force will further strengthen federal partnerships by formalizing coordination processes and refocusing joint efforts to prioritize federal resources for identifying, investigating, and prosecuting fraud involving taxpayer-funded programs, cybercrime, and predatory schemes targeting citizens across Indiana.

These efforts are part of the nationwide initiative to combat fraud led by the White House and Department of Justice.  On March 16, 2026, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14395, directing federal agencies to coordinate and accelerate a comprehensive strategy to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse within federal benefit programs, to be led by the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance.

In 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has already secured federal charges or prison sentences and restitution orders against 19 individuals for fraud-related crimes. Most recently, eight defendants were sentenced for their roles in a $1.2 million travel insurance kickback scheme. In a separate case, Shayna Williams pleaded guilty to orchestrating a $500,000 elder fraud scheme. Hoosiers should expect to see an increase in similar investigations and prosecutions as federal agencies expand their coordinated efforts.

“Today’s forum is a major step in reaffirming our commitment to rooting out fraud in Indiana.  This is also designed to provide a framework for a consistent approach to these important matters on the federal side as we continue our strong working relationships with our state and local partners to strengthen a whole-of-government approach,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Fraudsters should be aware—the federal government is watching at every level. We will leverage the full resources of law enforcement to find you, uncover your schemes, and ensure you are held accountable for every penny.”

U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked the following federal agencies for their participation in the Federal Fraud Forum and their collaboration and commitment to the SDIN Fraud Task Force:

    Air Force, Office of Special Investigations

    AMTRAK, Office of Inspector General (hereafter “OIG”)

    Department of Commerce, OIG

    Department of Education, OIG

    FBI Indianapolis

    Homeland Security Investigations

    Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations

    U.S. Department of Commerce, OIG

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, OIG

    U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, OIG

    U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards

    U.S. Department of Labor, OIG

    U.S. Department of Transportation, OIG

    U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, OIG

    U.S. Postal Inspection Service

    U.S. Postal Service, OIG

    U.S. Secret Service

    U.S. Small Business Administration, OIG

    U.S. Social Security Administration, OIG

    U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.