Three members of a Phoenix family have pleaded guilty in connection with a years-long scheme to fraudulently obtain nearly $2.2 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds, according to the U.S Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona.
Mohammed Maio, 43, of Phoenix pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
His parents, Souzan El-Sayed, 66, and Abukar Maio, 70, also of Phoenix pleaded guilty on July 24 to conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Mohammed Maio is scheduled to be sentenced on September 28, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Michael T. Liburdi.
El-Sayed and Abukar Maio are scheduled for sentencing on October 5, 2026, before the same judge.
According to a press release, the three family members conspired between May 2020 and March 2024 to fraudulently obtain and misuse loans issued through the federal Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs, both which were established to provide financial relief to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prosecutors said the family submitted false information to secure nearly $2.2 million on loans for multiple businesses that had no employees. Rather than using the funds for legitimate business purposes the defendants admitted they used the money for personal gain, including the purchase of multiple properties.
In addition to the fraud charges, Mohammad Maio admitted to illegally obtaining a firearm despite being a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty to a felon in possession of a firearm and aiding another in making a materially false statement to purchase a firearm.
According to his plea agreement, he arranged for this mother to purchase the firearm on his behalf in May 2021. He admitted the he directed her to falsely certify on the federal firearms transaction record that the gun was being purchased for her own use when it was actually intended for him. He later unlawfully possessed the firearm.
The conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud charge carries a maximum sentence for 30 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million.
The conspiracy to commit money laundering charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
The felon in possession of a firearm charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while making a false statement during the purchase of a firearms carries a maximum sentence of five years and a $250,000 fine.
Actual sentences will be determined by the court.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
Congressman Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09) is calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement recommendations from a recent Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit that found widespread failures in the administration of the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP), including improper eligibility determinations, inadequate documentation, and hundreds of millions of dollars in unnecessary spending.
In a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins and Acting Under Secretary John Figueroa, Gosar urged the department to fully implement the OIG’s recommendations to improve accountability and ensure veterans receive the care they are entitled to under federal law.
The audit, released by the VA Office of Inspector General on June 17, was mandated by the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.
It examined whether the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) accurately identified veterans eligible for community care and properly informed them of their options under the VA MISSION Act.
The OIG concluded that the VA was “not effectively identifying and informing all eligible veterans about all their care options within and outside VA.”
Investigators found that some veterans who qualified for community care were never informed of their eligibility, while others who did not qualify were improperly referred to outside providers.
According to the audit, nearly one in four community care referrals—approximately 340,000 of 1.4 million consults reviewed during the first quarter of FY25—were made even though veterans did not meet eligibility requirements.
At the same time, an estimated 1.8 million veterans who received care through VA facilities lacked documentation showing they had been evaluated for community care eligibility, with more than one million cases containing no evidence that veterans had voluntarily declined the option.
The OIG estimated that inaccurate eligibility determinations resulted in approximately $440 million in unnecessary spending during the first quarter of FY25 alone. If those issues continue unaddressed, the agency estimated the cost could reach $1.7 billion annually.
The audit attributed many of the problems to inconsistent guidance from the VA’s Office of Integrated Veteran Care, scheduling system limitations that prevented staff from viewing appointment availability across all VA facilities, and a lack of access to community care scheduling data needed to help veterans make informed decisions.
Investigators also found that some veterans referred to community care could have received treatment sooner through VA facilities, while others who qualified for community care were never informed of that option.
The report warned that these shortcomings not only waste taxpayer dollars but also risk delaying medical treatment for veterans by preventing them from accessing the care options that best meet their needs.
The Office of Inspector General issued six recommendations aimed at improving the effectiveness of the Veterans Community Care Program.
The Veterans Health Administration concurred with five recommendations and concurred in principle with the sixth, submitting corrective action plans intended to address the findings.
In his letter, Gosar encouraged Secretary Collins to work with Congress to fully implement the OIG’s recommendations, strengthen oversight of the Veterans Community Care Program, and ensure it is administered with the diligence and integrity America’s veterans deserve.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
The Common Sense Institute announced it has promoted Zach Milne to Director of Policy and Research, where he will oversee the organization’s research agenda and continue leading data-driven policy analysis focused on free enterprise and economic issues affecting Arizona.
In his new role, Milne will direct CSI’s research initiatives while continuing to produce analysis intended to inform policymakers and the public on issues related to Arizona’s economy, workforce, fiscal policy, and competitiveness.
Milne joined the Common Sense Institute after serving as an economist in the Arizona Governors Office of Strategic Planning ad Budget.
During his time with the state, he developed Arizona’s revenue forecasts, advised executive leadership on fiscal policy, and analyzed tax and budget legislation.
He earned a bachelors degree in economics and statistics, along with a master’s degree in economics from Arizona State University.
Prior to his career in economics, Milne served more than 20 years in the United States Air Force.
Please join us in congratulating Zach Milne on his promotion to Director of Policy and Research at Common Sense Institute.
As Senior Research Analyst, Zach has played a key role in establishing CSI as a trusted source of independent economic analysis through his work on housing… pic.twitter.com/LEQTq8fUYF
— Common Sense Institute Arizona (@CSInstituteAZ) July 30, 2026
Since joining CSI, Milne has helped expand the organization’s research portfolio, leading several of its signature projects, including the Free Enterprise Report and the Housing Affordability Index.
CSI Executive Director Katie Ratlief praised Milne’s contributions to the organization and expressed confidence in his leadership moving forward.
“Research that makes a difference doesn’t just analyze data. It changes the way people think about important policy issues,” stated Ratlief. “Zach has been instrumental in building both the quality of our research and the reputation CSI has earned as a trusted source of objective economic analysis. His commitment to accuracy and thoughtful approach to every project have helped position CSI as a leading voice on the policy issues that matter most to Arizonans. I look forward to seeing him continue building on that foundation in this new role.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a new policy this week, prohibiting county employees from using confidential, nonpublic information obtained through their public service to personally profit from prediction markets.
County officials said the policy is intended to strengthen public trust by ensuring government decisions are made in the best interest of residents rather than for personal financial gain.
Maricopa County officials also said the measure makes the county the first major county in the United States to adopt a formal policy specifically addressing prediction markets.
Public employees often have access to sensitive information before it becomes publicly available. Under the newly adopted resolution, county employees are prohibited from using or disclosing nonpublic information to profit from, avoid losses in, or assist others in profiting from prediction markets.
Violations of the policy may result in disciplinary action, including termination, and may also be referred to law enforcement.
The resolution builds upon existing Arizona law, including A.R.S. § 38-504(B), which prohibits public officers and employees from using or disclosing confidential, nonpublic information obtained through their official duties.
County leaders noted that prediction markets allow participants to wager on the likelihood of future events across a wide range of topics, including government actions, elections, politics, military conflicts, weather events, wildfires, sports, and other state, national, and global affairs.
The resolution states that the public’s confidence in government is undermined when officials use privileged information learned through public service for personal financial benefits.
Arizona law already prohibits wagering on the outcome of elections. Under A.R.S. § 16-1015, knowingly making, offering, accepting, or participating in a bet or wager on any contingency arising from an election before or during the election is classified as a class 2 misdemeanor.
In addition to prohibiting the use of nonpublic information for financial gain, the Board’s resolution formally designates such information as confidential, where it has not already been classified as such.
The policy also clarifies that it does not create new legal rights or remedies, does not conflict with federal or state law, and does not alter the statutory authority of any elected office or county department.
The policy applies to all Maricopa County employees, including those working in appointed departments, the Flood Control District of Maricopa County, and the Maricopa County Library District.
The resolution took effect immediately upon its unanimous approval by the Board of Supervisors and will remain in force until it is repealed, replaced, or rescinded.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-08) was recognized last week by the Institute for Legislative Analysis (ILA), receiving the organization’s Defender of Limited Government Award for his voting record in Congress.
The award was presented by ILA Chief Executive Officer Ryan McGowan and President Fred McGrath in recognition of Hamadeh’s support for what the organization described as the limited government principles of the U.S. Constitution.
According to the ILA, Hamadeh earned an A+ rating with an overall score of 86%, exceeding the projected district estimate of 81%.
The freshman congressman also received perfect scores in several policy areas including energy, national security, free speech, healthcare, and government accountability.
Congratulations to @RepAbeHamadeh on earning ILA's Defender of Limited Government Award!
His voting record reflects a commitment to constitutional limited government and a more accountable, responsive federal government. By demanding accountability in Washington, he's standing… https://t.co/ImupOKolmD
— Institute for Legislative Analysis (@leganalysis) July 24, 2026
“The Institute for Legislative Analysis is proud to present Congressman Abraham Hamadeh with the Defender of Limited Government Award for a voting record closely aligned with the limited government principles of the U.S. Constitution,” announced Ryan McGowan.
McGowan praised Hamadeh’s work during his first term in Congress, highlighting his focus on national security, public safety, government accountability, and improving access to benefits and support for veterans.
“We especially appreciate his work to improve veterans’ access to the programs and support they have earned, while demanding a federal government that is more responsive, accountable, and focused on results,” added McGowan. “Congressman Hamadeh and the team he has assembled deserve credit for standing with taxpayers, service members, veterans, and Arizona families who expect Washington to do its job and stay within its proper limits.”
Hamadeh said the recognition reflects the principles he pledged to uphold when elected to represent Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District.
“It is an honor to receive the Defender of Limited Government Award,” said Congressman Hamadeh. “The people of Arizona’s Eighth District elected me to defend the Constitution, protect their freedoms, and stand against government overreach. I will continue fighting for policies that preserve individual liberty, strengthen our economy, secure our border, and ensure that our government remains accountable to the people, not the other way around.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
