Ashburn woman arrested for $5 million loan fraud scheme

ASHBURN, Va. - An Ashburn woman was arrested Thursday after the FBI says she arranged a loan fraud scam that swindled victims out of more than $5 million. Officials say she used a portion of that money for personal travel and high-end shopping purchases.

According to federal investigators, 42-year-old Keisha Williams defrauded dozens of people after she solicited money from them saying "she needed emergency funding to get software that she had purchased out of 'escrow' in Austria."

Officials say she spent around $1 million on luxury travel and $1 million to buy items from stores like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Chanel.

Neighbors gave FOX 5 photos of a team of FBI agents at Williams' Ashburn home Thursday morning. They say she didn't appear to be there at the time, and think she was arrested elsewhere.

Neighbors say investigators carried big bags out of the home and believe the FBI even took some of Williams' expensive shoes.

Court documents detail a few people who were taken in by the alleged scheme -- a 71-year-old cancer survivor from McLean who gave up her $250,000 inheritance and then some. Then there was a 70-year-old man from Silver Spring who gave Williams $70,000.

The FBI says investors were promised a "megabucks investment opportunity" with huge returns.

Williams' longtime neighbors in Ashburn could not believe the allegations.

"She kind of kept to herself, she didn't really do a lot of interacting," said Mary Smith. "We have been neighbors for almost 12 years."

"I have only had one interaction in probably eight years ago and she was very kind," said Jessica White. "I would have never, never thought."

The FBI says here there was a man working with Williams on the conspiracy, but he is not facing charges.

Williams has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison.

Authorities say if you believe you were a victim of this fraud scheme, you are asked to call the Eastern District of Virginia Victim/Witness Coordinators at 1-800-221-6538.