Plea Agreement — United States v. Adams (Dkt. 35, W.D. Mo.)

Summary

A plea agreement under Rule 11(c)(1)(B) in United States v. Briauna L. Adams, Case Nos. 24-00269-01-CR-W-DGK and 25-00016-01-CR-W-DGK, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, filed May 7, 2025 as Document 35. It is made by Acting U.S. Attorney Jeffrey P. Ray and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker with the defendant, represented by F.A. White Jr. In Case No. 24-00269 she agrees to plead guilty to counts charging wire fraud, money laundering and theft of government funds under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 1956 & 641, including Counts Four and Eight. In Case No. 25-00016 she agrees to plead guilty to Counts One, Four and Thirteen, charging conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering.

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE
                           WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI
                                  WESTERN DIVISION

 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

                             Plaintiff,

        Vv.                                     Case Nos. 24-00269-01-CR-W-DGK
                                                          25-00016-01-CR-W-DGK
 BRIAUNA L. ADAMS,

                             Defendant.

                                  PLEA AGREEMENT

       Pursuant to Rule 11(c)(1)(B) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the parties

described below have entered into the following plea agreement:

       1.     The Parties. The parties to this agreement are the United States Attorney’s Office

for the Western District of Missouri (otherwise referred to as “the Government” or “the

United States”), represented by Jeffrey P. Ray, Acting United States Attorney, and Paul S. Becker,

Assistant United States Attorney, and the defendant Briauna Adams, (“the defendant”),

represented by F.A. White Jr.

       The defendant understands and agrees that this plea agreement is only between her and

the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, and that it does not bind any other

federal, state, or local prosecution authority or any other government agency, unless otherwise

specified in this agreement.                                                           £y ye,

       2.     Defendant’s Guilty Pleas. The defendant agrees to plead guilty to Counts Feve; 2x7

Four and Eight of the indictment in Case No. 24-00269 charging her with violations of 18 U.S.C.

§§ 1343, 1956 & 641, that is, wire fraud, money laundering and theft of government funds.

The defendant agrees to plead guilty to Counts One, Four and Thirteen of the indictment in

       Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 _ Filed 05/07/25 Page1lof18

Case No. 25-00016 charging her with violations of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349, 1028A & 1956, that is,
conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering. By entering into
this plea agreement, the defendant admits that she knowingly committed these offenses, and is in
fact guilty of these offenses. The defendant admits to Forfeiture Allegation Two in Indictment
No. 25-00016 and agrees to a money judgment of at least $10,000, representing proceeds she
personally obtained in connection with the scheme alleged Count Thirteen of Indictment, and to
pay restitution in the amount of $540,302 to the Small Business Administration, representing
the total fraud loss associated with the wire fraud scheme to which she is pleading guilty.

3. Factual Basis for Guilty Plea. The parties agree that the facts constituting the
offense to which she is pleading guilty are as follows:
Case No. 24-00269 Treasury Check Case

Count Beye five

In July 2024, Adams rented a townhouse in Raymore, Missouri, using the name and

personal identification information of M.B. In order to rent the townhouse, ADAMS presented a

Texas driver’s license in the name of M.B. with ADAMS’ photograph:

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ADAMS established Internet service at the Raymore location with Comcast using the name
of M.B. The Comcast Internet IP address assigned on 7/27/24 was 73.185.255.206. The Comcast

Internet IP address assigned on 8/15/24 was 24.2.15.231.

Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 Filed 05/07/25 Page 2of18

On July 27, 2024, ADAMS opened a Charles Schwab and Company individual account
ending in #9602 via the Internet from a Comcast Cable IP address of 73.185.255.206.
On August 15, 2024, ADAMS entered the Charles Schwab and Company branch located in
Leawood, Kansas and presented for deposit into her individual account ending in #9602, a
United States Treasury check worth $1,445,443.69, payable to ADAMS, dated June 25, 2024.
After the check was deposited, between August 15, 2024, and August 16, 2024, ADAMS accessed
the account nine times from a Comcast Cable IP address of 24.2.15.231. Fraud investigators with
Charles Schwab and Company determined the $1,445,443.69 U.S. Treasury check was fraudulent
and reversed the deposit before suffering a financial loss.

Count Four - Money Laundering

On May 25, 2024, ADAMS opened a Fidelity Cash Management account ending in #9546
and an individual account ending in #0663 at Fidelity Investments via the Internet from a
Google Fiber IP address of 136.34.44.44. At account opening, ADAMS reported her daytime
phone number as 816-530-1044. On June 14, 2024, ADAMS opened additional individual
accounts at Fidelity Investments ending in #8411, #1184 and #2456 and ordered debit cards for
the accounts via the Internet from the Google Fiber IP address of 136.34.44.44.

On June 18, 2024, ADAMS entered the Fidelity Investments branch in Overland Park,
Kansas and presented for deposit into her individual account ending in #0663, a United States
Treasury check worth $450,504.66, payable to ADAMS, dated May 10, 2024. Upon deposit into
ADAMS’ account, Fidelity Investments placed a ten day hold on a majority of the balance.
However, access was granted to a percentage of the funds for “good faith” investing. The original

Treasury check was a Thrift Savings Account payout to an individual (M.C.T.).

Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 _ Filed 05/07/25 Page 3of18

On June 27, 2024, ADAMS conducted an electronic funds transfer of $4,000 from the
Fidelity Investment account ending in #0663 to her Truist Bank account ending in #2214 and an
electronic funds transfer of $8,000 from the Fidelity Investment account ending in #0663 to
her Central Trust Bank account ending in #2214. Hours after both transfers were complete,
Fidelity Investments received notification the US Treasury check ADAMS deposited was
fraudulent. Fidelity Investments reversed the deposit from ADAMS’ account, leaving a negative
balance. Fidelity Investments suffered a financial loss of $11,999.96.

Count Eight - Theft of Government Property

On November 14, 2024, a search warrant was executed on Adams’ rental townhome in
Raymore, Missouri. Approximately 253 U.S. Treasury checks were found in the residence. There
were 123 open Treasury checks and 130 envelopes containing Treasury checks. The total value of

the open checks was $610,307.15. The value of the checks in envelopes was approximately

$90,000.

Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 _ Filed 05/07/25 Page 4of18


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Case No. 25-00016-01- PPP Case

Counts One & Four — Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud & Aggravated Identity
Theft

Briauna Adams was a resident of Grandview, Missouri. She conspired with others to
prepare-and file fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications on their behalf.
Generally, she charged fees of up to $5,000 for her assistance in filing false and fraudulent PPP
loans. Briauna Adams created counterfeit bank records and IRS Forms Schedule C for nonexistent
businesses or with inflated income for existing businesses to qualify the borrower for a PPP loan.
Briauna Adams submitted and caused to be submitted false and fraudulent PPP loan applications

and counterfeit IRS Forms Schedule C to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and lenders

Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 _ Filed 05/07/25 Page5of18

outside the State of Missouri. Briauna Adams also used the identity information of other persons
to apply for and receive PPP loans. Specifically, on April 8, 2021, Briauna Adams used the name
and address of another person, L.F., to apply for and receive funds from the PPP program.

The loss to the SBA from Adams’s PPP fraud conspiracy is $540,302, which Adams agrees
will be ordered as restitution.

Count Thirteen - Money Laundering

On March 4, 2021, in the Western District of Missouri, and elsewhere, the defendant
BRIAUNA ADAMS, made a $10,000 cash withdrawal, a financial transaction affecting interstate
and foreign commerce, which involved the proceeds of a specified unlawful activity, wire fraud
charged in Count Five of the indictment, knowing that the transaction was designed in whole and
in part to conceal and disguise, the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the
proceeds of said specified unlawful activity and that while conducting and attempting to conduct
such financial transaction knew that the property involved in the financial transaction represented
the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity.

4. Use of Factual Admissions and Relevant Conduct. The defendant acknowledges,

understands and agrees that the admissions contained in Paragraph 3 and other portions of this plea
agreement will be used for the purpose of determining her guilt and advisory sentencing range
under the United States Sentencing Guidelines (“U.S.S.G.”), including the calculation of the
defendant’s offense level in accordance with U.S.S.G. § 1B1.3(a)(2).

= Statutory Penalties. The defendant understands that upon her pleas of guilty to

wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and money laundering, the maximum penalty the
Court may impose on each count is not more than twenty (20) years of imprisonment, a $250,000

fine, and three (3) years of supervised release. The defendant understands that the maximum

6

Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 _ Filed 05/07/25 Page 6of18

penalty the Court may impose for the charge of Theft of Government property is not more than
ten (10) years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three (3) years of supervised release.
Finally, the defendant understands that the maximum possible penalty for a convection of
Aggravated Identity Theft is a mandatory consecutive two (2) years imprisonment, a $100,000
fine, and 1 year of supervised release. Each count has a $100 mandatory special assessment which
must be paid in full at the time of sentencing.

6. Sentencing Procedures. The defendant acknowledges, understands and agrees

to the following:

a. in determining the appropriate sentence, the Court will consult and
consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines promulgated by the United States
Sentencing Commission; these Guidelines, however, are advisory in nature, and the
Court may impose a sentence either less than or greater than the defendant’s
applicable Guidelines range, unless the sentence imposed is “unreasonable”;

b. the Court will determine the defendant’s applicable Sentencing
Guidelines range at the time of sentencing;

om in addition to a sentence of imprisonment, the Court may impose
aterm of supervised release of up to three years; that the Court must impose a
period of supervised release if a sentence of imprisonment of more than one year
is imposed;

d. if the defendant violates a condition of her supervised release, the
Court may revoke her supervised release and impose an additional period of
imprisonment of up to two years without credit for time previously spent on
supervised release. In addition to a new term of imprisonment, the Court also may
impose a new period of supervised release, the length of which cannot exceed one
year, less the term of imprisonment imposed upon revocation of the defendant’s
first supervised release;

e. the Court may impose any sentence authorized by law, including a
sentence that is outside of, or departs from, the applicable Sentencing Guidelines
range;

f. any sentence of imprisonment imposed by the Court will not

allow for parole;

Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 _ Filed 05/07/25 Page 7of18

g. the defendant may not withdraw her guilty pleas solely because
of the nature or length of the sentence imposed by the Court;

h. the defendant agrees that the United States may institute civil, judicial, or
administrative forfeiture proceedings against all forfeitable assets in which the
defendant has an interest, and that she will not contest any such forfeiture
proceedings;

i. the defendant agrees to forfeit all interests she owns or over which she
exercises control, directly or indirectly, in any asset that is subject to forfeiture to
the United States, either directly or as a substitute for property that was subject to
forfeiture but is no longer available for the reasons set forth in 21 U.S.C. § 853(p),
including but not limited to the following specific property: a money judgment of at
least $10,000. With respect to any asset which the defendant has agreed to forfeit,
the defendant waives any constitutional and statutory challenges in any manner
(including direct appeal, habeas corpus, or any other means) to any forfeiture carried
out in accordance with this plea agreement on any grounds, including that the
forfeiture constitutes an excessive fine or punishment under the Eighth Amendment
to the United States Constitution;

j. the defendant agrees to fully and truthfully disclose the existence, nature,
and location of all assets forfeitable to the United States, either directly or asa
substitute asset, in which she, her co-defendants, and her co-conspirators have or
had any direct or indirect financial interest, or exercise or exercised control, directly
or indirectly, during the period from on or about March 4, 2021, to the present.
The defendant also agrees to fully and completely assist the United States in the
recovery and forfeiture of all such forfeitable assets;

k. the defendant agrees not to contest the transfer of any forfeitable property
to the United States, and to take whatever steps are necessary to facilitate that
transfer. The defendant specifically agrees and authorizes any state or local law
enforcement agency having possession of property subject to federal forfeiture to
release the property to a federal agency, either prior to or after entry of an order
forfeiting the defendant’s interest in such property. Further, the defendant agrees to
hold harmless any state or local law enforcement agency which releases such
property to any federal agency for federal forfeiture proceedings;

|. the defendant agrees to take all necessary steps to comply with the
forfeiture matters set forth herein before her sentencing;

m. within 10 days of the execution of this plea agreement, at the request of
the USAO, the defendant agrees to execute and submit (1) a Tax Information
Authorization form; (2) an Authorization to Release Information; (3) a completed
financial disclosure statement; and (4) copies of financial information that the
defendant submits to the U.S. Probation Office. The defendant understands that the

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Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 _ Filed 05/07/25 Page 8of18

United States will use the financial information when making its recommendation
to the Court regarding the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility; and

n. at the request of the USAO, the defendant agrees to undergo any
polygraph examination the United States might choose to administer concerning the

identification and recovery of forfeitable assets and restitution.

5 Government’s Agreements. Based upon evidence in its possession at this time, the

United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri, as part of this plea agreement,
agrees not to bring any additional charges against defendant for any federal criminal offenses
related to the possession of stolen Treasury checks and the submission of a false PPP loan
application listed above for which it has venue, and which arose out of the defendant’s conduct
described above. The government also agrees, at the time of sentencing, to move to dismiss as to
Briauna Adams Counts 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 of Case No. 24-00269 and Counts 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17 in Case No. 25-00016.

The defendant understands that this plea agreement does not foreclose any prosecution for
an act of murder or attempted murder, an act or attempted act of physical or sexual violence against
the person of another, or a conspiracy to commit any such acts of violence or any criminal activity
of which the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri has no knowledge.

The defendant recognizes that the United States’ agreement to forego prosecution of all the
criminal offenses with which the defendant might be charged is based solely on the promises made
by the defendant in this agreement. If the defendant breaches this plea agreement, the United States
retains the right to proceed with the original charges and any other criminal violations established
by the evidence. The defendant expressly waives her right to challenge the initiation of the
dismissed or additional charges against her if she breaches this agreement. The defendant expressly

waives her right to assert a statute of limitations defense if the dismissed or additional charges are

Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 Filed 05/07/25 Page9of18

initiated against her following a breach of this agreement. The defendant further understands and
agrees that if the Government elects to file additional charges against her following a breach of this
plea agreement, she will not be allowed to withdraw her guilty pleas.

8. Preparation of Presentence Report. The defendant understands the United

States will provide to the Court and the United States Probation Office a government version of
the offense conduct. This may include information concerning the background, character, and
conduct of the defendant, including the entirety of her criminal activities. The defendant
understands these disclosures are not limited to the counts to which she has pleaded guilty. The
United States may respond to comments made or positions taken by the defendant or the
defendant’s counsel and to correct any misstatements or inaccuracies. The United States further
reserves its right to make any recommendations it deems appropriate regarding the disposition of
this case, subject only to any limitations set forth in this plea agreement. The United States and the
defendant expressly reserve the right to speak to the Court at the time of sentencing pursuant to
Rule 32(i)(4) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

2. Withdrawal of Pleas. Either party reserves the right to withdraw from this

plea agreement for any or no reason at any time prior to the entry of the defendant’s pleas of guilty
and their formal acceptance by the Court. In the event of such withdrawal, the parties will
be restored to their pre-plea agreement positions to the fullest extent possible. However, after the
pleas have been formally accepted by the Court, the defendant may withdraw her pleas of
guilty only if the Court rejects the plea agreement or if the defendant can show a fair and just
reason for requesting the withdrawal. The defendant understands that if the Court accepts

her pleas of guilty and this plea agreement but subsequently imposes a sentence that is outside the

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Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 Filed 05/07/25 Page 10 of 18

defendant’s applicable Sentencing Guidelines range or imposes a sentence that the defendant does
not expect, like or agree with, she will not be permitted to withdraw her pleas of guilty.

10. Agreed Guidelines Applications. With respect to the application of the

Sentencing Guidelines to this case, the parties stipulate and agree as follows:

a. The Sentencing Guidelines do not bind the Court and are advisory
in nature. The Court may impose a sentence that is either above or below the
defendant’s applicable Guidelines range, provided the sentence imposed is not
“unreasonable”;

b. The applicable Guidelines section for the offenses
of conviction for both cases is U.S.S.G. §§ 2B1.1(a)(1) & (b)(1)(1), which provides
for a base offense level of 7 and a 16-level increase for a loss more than $1,500,000
and less than $3,500,000. The parties do not agree on an exact loss amount. The
parties do agree that there is a two-level increase because the offenses involved
sophisticated means, U.S.S.G. § 2B1.1(b)(10)(C), and a two-level increase for
money laundering, U.S.S.G. § 2S1.1(b)(2)(B).

c The defendant has admitted her guilt and clearly accepted
responsibility for her actions and has assisted authorities in the investigation or
prosecution of her own misconduct by timely notifying authorities of her intention
to enter pleas of guilty, thereby permitting the Government to avoid preparing for
trial and permitting the Government and the Court to allocate their resources
efficiently. Therefore, she is entitled to a three-level reduction pursuant to
§§ 3E1.1(a) & (b) of the Sentencing Guidelines. The Government, at the time of
sentencing, will file a written motion with the Court to that effect, unless the
defendant (1) fails to abide by all of the terms and conditions of this plea agreement
and her pretrial release; or (2) attempts to withdraw her guilty pleas, violates the
law, or otherwise engages in conduct inconsistent with her acceptance of
responsibility;

d. The parties agree that the Court will determine the applicable
criminal history category after receipt of the presentence investigation report
prepared by the United States Probation Office;

e. The defendant understands that the estimate of the parties with
respect to the Guidelines computation set forth in the subsections of this paragraph
does not bind the Court or the United States Probation Office with respect to the
appropriate Guidelines levels. Additionally, the failure of the Court to accept these
stipulations will not, as outlined in Paragraph 9 of this plea agreement, provide the
defendant with a basis to withdraw her plea of guilty;

1]

Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 Filed 05/07/25 Page 11 of 18

f, The United States agrees not to seek an upward departure from the
Guidelines or a sentence outside the Guidelines range. The defendant may seek a
downward departure from the Guidelines or a sentence outside the Guidelines
range. The agreement by the government to not seek a departure from the
Guidelines is not binding upon the Court or the United States Probation Office and
the Court may impose any sentence authorized by law, including any sentence
outside the applicable Guidelines range that is not “unreasonable”;

g. The defendant consents to judicial fact-finding by a preponderance
of the evidence for all issues pertaining to the determination of the defendant’s
sentence, including the determination of any mandatory minimum sentence
(including the facts that support any specific offense characteristic or other
enhancement or adjustment), and any legally authorized increase above the normal
statutory maximum. The defendant waives any right to a jury determination beyond
a reasonable doubt of all facts used to determine and enhance the sentence imposed
and waives any right to have those facts alleged in the indictment. The defendant
also agrees that the Court, in finding the facts relevant to the imposition of sentence,
may consider any reliable information, including hearsay;

h. The defendant understands and agrees that the factual admissions
contained in Paragraph 3 of this plea agreement, and any admissions that she will
make during her plea colloquy, support the imposition of the agreed-upon
Guidelines calculations contained in this agreement.

11. Effect of Non-Agreement on Guidelines Applications. The parties understand,

acknowledge and agree that there are no agreements between the parties with respect to any
Sentencing Guidelines issues other than those specifically listed in Paragraph 10, and its

subsections. As to any other Guidelines issues, the parties are free to advocate their respective

positions at the sentencing hearing.

12, Change in Guidelines Prior to Sentencing. The defendant agrees that if any

applicable provision of the Guidelines changes after the execution of this plea agreement, then any
request by defendant to be sentenced pursuant to the new Guidelines will make this plea agreement
voidable by the United States at its option. If the Government exercises its option to void the plea

agreement, the United States may charge, reinstate, or otherwise pursue any and all criminal

charges that could have been brought but for this plea agreement.

i

Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 Filed 05/07/25 Page 12 of 18

13. Government’s Reservation of Rights. The defendant understands that the United

States expressly reserves the right in this case to:

a. oppose or take issue with any position advanced by defendant at the
sentencing hearing which might be inconsistent with the provisions of this plea
agreement;

b. comment on the evidence supporting the charges in the indictment;

C, oppose any arguments and requests for relief the defendant might

advance on an appeal from the sentences imposed and that the United States
remains free on appeal or collateral proceedings to defend the legality and propriety
of the sentence actually imposed, even if the Court chooses not to follow any
recommendation made by the United States; and

d. oppose any post-conviction motions for reduction of sentence, or
other relief.

14. Waiver _of Constitutional Rights. The defendant, by pleading guilty,

acknowledges that she has been advised of, understands, and knowingly and voluntarily waives the
following rights:
a. _ the right to plead not guilty and to persist in a plea of not guilty;

b. the right to be presumed innocent until her guilt has been established
beyond a reasonable doubt at trial;

om the right to a jury trial, and at that trial, the right to the effective
assistance of counsel;

d. the right to confront and cross-examine the witnesses who testify
against her;

@ the right to compel or subpoena witnesses to appear on her
behalf; and
Ly the right to remain silent at trial, in which case her silence may not

be used against her.
The defendant understands that by pleading guilty, she waives or gives up those rights and

that there will be no trial. The defendant further understands that if she pleads guilty, the Court

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Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 Filed 05/07/25 Page 13 of 18

may ask questions about the offense or offenses to which she pleaded guilty, and if the defendant
answers those questions under oath and in the presence of counsel, the answers may later be used
against her in a prosecution for perjury or making a false statement. The defendant
also understands she has pleaded guilty to a felony offense and, as a result, will lose the right to
possess a firearm or ammunition and might be deprived of other rights, such as the right to vote or
register to vote, hold public office, or serve on a jury.

15. Waiver of Appellate and Post-Conviction Rights.

a. The defendant acknowledges, understands and agrees that by
pleading guilty pursuant to this plea agreement she waives the right to appeal or
collaterally attack a finding of guilt following the acceptance of this plea agreement,
except on grounds of (1) ineffective assistance of counsel; or (2) prosecutorial
misconduct.

b. The defendant expressly waives her right to appeal her sentence,
directly or collaterally, on any ground except claims of (1) ineffective assistance of
counsel; (2) prosecutorial misconduct; or (3) an illegal sentence. An “illegal
sentence” includes a sentence imposed in excess of the statutory maximum, but
does nof include less serious sentencing errors, such as a misapplication of the
Sentencing Guidelines, an abuse of discretion, or the imposition of an unreasonable
sentence. However, if the United States exercises its right to appeal the sentence
imposed as authorized by 18 U.S.C. § 3742(b), the defendant is released from this
waiver and may, as part of the Government’s appeal, cross-appeal her sentence as
authorized by 18 U.S.C. § 3742(a) with respect to any issues that have not been
stipulated to or agreed upon in this agreement.

16. Financial Obligations. By entering into this plea agreement, the defendant

represents that she understands and agrees to the following financial obligations:

a. Defendant agrees that restitution is due and payable immediately
after the judgment is entered and is subject to immediate enforcement, in full, by
the United States. If the Court imposes a schedule of payments, Defendant agrees
that the schedule of payments is a schedule of the minimum payment due, and that
the payment schedule does not prohibit or limit the methods by which the
United States may immediately enforce the judgment in full.

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Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 _ Filed 05/07/25 Page14of 18

b. The defendant will fully and truthfully disclose all assets and
property in which she has any interest, or over which the defendant exercises control
directly or indirectly, including assets and property held by a spouse, nominee, or
other third party. The defendant’s disclosure obligations are ongoing and are in
force from the execution of this agreement until the defendant has satisfied the
restitution order in full.

ci Within 10 days of the execution of this plea agreement, at the request
of the USAO, the defendant agrees to execute and submit (1) a Tax Information
Authorization form; (2) an Authorization to Release Information; (3) a completed
financial disclosure statement; and (4) copies of financial information that the
defendant submits to the U.S. Probation Office. The defendant understands that
compliance with these requests will be taken into account when the United States
makes a recommendation to the Court regarding the defendant’s acceptance of
responsibility.

d. The defendant hereby authorizes the USAO to obtain a credit report
pertaining to her to assist the USAO in evaluating the defendant’s ability to satisfy
any financial obligations imposed as part of the sentence.

es The defendant understands that a Special Assessment will be
imposed as part of the sentence in this case. The defendant promises to pay the
Special Assessment of $100 per count by submitting a satisfactory form of payment
to the Clerk of the Court prior to appearing for the sentencing proceeding in this
case. The defendant agrees to provide the Clerk’s receipt as evidence of her
fulfillment of this obligation at the time of sentencing.

f. The defendant certifies that she has made no transfer of assets or
property for the purpose of (1) evading financial obligations created by this
Agreement; (2) evading obligations that may be imposed by the Court; nor
(3) hindering efforts of the USAO to enforce such financial obligations.
Moreover, the defendant promises that she will make no such transfers in the
future.

g. In the event the United States learns of any misrepresentation in the
financial disclosure statement, or of any asset in which the defendant had an interest
at the time of this plea agreement that is not disclosed in the financial disclosure
statement, and in the event such misrepresentation or nondisclosure changes the
estimated net worth of the defendant by $10,000 or more, the United States may at
its option: (1) choose to be relieved of its obligations under this plea agreement;
or (2) let the plea agreement stand, collect the full forfeiture, restitution, and
fines imposed by any criminal or civil judgment, and also collect 100% of the
value of any previously undisclosed assets. The defendant agrees not to contest any

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Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 _ Filed 05/07/25 Page 15of18

collection of such assets. In the event the United States opts to be relieved of its
obligations under this plea agreement, the defendant’s previously entered pleas of
guilty shall remain in effect and cannot be withdrawn.

17. Waiver of FOIA Request. The defendant waives all of her rights, whether asserted

directly or by a representative, to request or receive, or to authorize any third party to request
or receive, from any department or agency of the United States any records pertaining to the
investigation or prosecution of this case including, without limitation, any records that may be
sought under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, or the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C.
§ 552a.

18. Waiver of Claim for Attorney’s Fees. The defendant waives all of her claims

under the Hyde Amendment, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, for attorney’s fees and other litigation expenses
arising out of the investigation or prosecution of this matter.

19. Defendant’s Breach of Plea Agreement. If the defendant commits any crimes,

violates any conditions of release or violates any term of this plea agreement between the signing
of this plea agreement and the date of sentencing, or fails to appear for sentencing, or if the
defendant provides information to the Probation Office or the Court that is intentionally
misleading, incomplete, or untruthful, or otherwise breaches this plea agreement, the United States
will be released from its obligations under this agreement. The defendant, however, will remain
bound by the terms of the agreement, and will not be allowed to withdraw her pleas of guilty.
The defendant also understands and agrees that in the event she violates this plea agreement,
all statements made by her to law enforcement agents subsequent to the execution of this plea
agreement, any testimony given by her before a grand jury or any tribunal or any leads from such
statements or testimony shall be admissible against her in any and all criminal proceedings. The

defendant waives any rights that she might assert under the United States Constitution, any

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Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 Filed 05/07/25 Page 16 of 18

statute, Rule 11(f) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 410 of the Federal Rules of
Evidence, or any other federal rule that pertains to the admissibility of any statements made by her
subsequent to this plea agreement.

20. Defendant’s Representations. The defendant acknowledges that she has entered

into this plea agreement freely and voluntarily after receiving the effective assistance, advice and
approval of counsel. The defendant acknowledges that she is satisfied with the assistance of
counsel, and that counsel has fully advised her of her rights and obligations in connection with this
plea agreement. The defendant further acknowledges that no threats or promises, other than the
promises contained in this plea agreement, have been made by the United States, the Court, her
attorneys or any other party to induce her to enter the pleas of guilty.

21. No Undisclosed Terms. The United States and defendant acknowledge and agree

that the above-stated terms and conditions, together with any written supplemental agreement that
might be presented to the Court in camera, constitute the entire plea agreement between the parties,
and that any other terms and conditions not expressly set forth in this agreement or any written
supplemental agreement do not constitute any part of the parties’ agreement and will not be
enforceable against either party.

22. Standard of Interpretation. The parties agree that, unless the constitutional

implications inherent in plea agreements require otherwise, this plea agreement should
be interpreted according to general contract principles and the words employed are

to be given their normal and ordinary meanings. The parties further agree that, in interpreting this

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Case 4:24-cr-00269-DGK Document35 Filed 05/07/25 Page 17 of 18

agreement, any drafting errors or ambiguities are not to be automatically construed against
either party, whether or not that party was involved in drafting or modifying this agreement.

Jeffrey P. Ray
Acting United States Attorney

Dated: S/ 7/28

Paul S. Becker
Assistant United States Attorney

I have consulted with my attorney and fully understand all my rights with respect to the
offenses charged in the indictments. Further, I have consulted with my attorney and fully
understand my rights with respect to the provisions of the Sentencing Guidelines. I have read this
plea agreement and carefully reviewed every part of it with my attorney. I understand this plea
agreement and I voluntarily agree to it.

Dated: s / > Js

riauna Adams
Defendant

1 am defendant Briauna Adams’s attorney. I have fully explained to her the rights with respect
to the offenses charged in the indictments. Further, I have reviewed with her the provisions of the
Sentencing Guidelines which might apply in this case. I have carefully reviewed every part of this
plea agreement with her. To my knowledge, Briauna Adams’s decision to enter into this plea
agreement is an informed and voluntary one.

Dated: _S/ /- 2/ aS” d Nw

F.A. Whit, Jr.
Attorney for Defendant Briauna Adams

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