U.S. Attorney Capito to Hold Press Conference in Beckley to Announce Sentencing in Seven-Figure COVID-19 Fraud Case

BECKLEY, W.Va. - United States Attorney Moore Capito will hold a press conference tomorrow, Friday, April 24, 2026, outside the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Beckley, following the sentencing of a Raleigh County man for theft of government money.

Ross Jay Bailey, 51, of Cool Ridge, admitted that he obtained a $2 million loan through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for his business and instead converted at least $1.4 million of the proceeds for his personal enrichment.

Bailey is one of three family members who pleaded guilty to stealing a total of more than $4 million in COVID-19 relief fund proceeds.

Capito will also provide an update on his office's COVID-19 fraud prosecutions to date and announce the ongoing coordination with the recently established National Fraud Enforcement Division (NFED).

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: 11:30 a.m. or following the conclusion of the sentencing hearing (sentencing hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.)

WHERE: East Portico, Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse and Federal Building, 110 North Heber Street, Beckley.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

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