The Shocking Downfall: 5 Key Facts About Stephanie Hockridge's $64 Million COVID Fraud Scandal

The story of Stephanie Hockridge represents one of the most dramatic and unexpected career implosions in recent memory, transitioning from a respected Arizona news anchor to a federal inmate convicted of massive financial crimes. As of December 10, 2025, the latest and most significant update surrounding her name is the severe sentencing handed down by a federal court in connection with a sprawling $64 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.

This deep dive explores the full trajectory of Stephanie Hockridge's life, from her early days in broadcast journalism to her central role in the notorious Blueacorn scandal, culminating in a decade-long prison term and a staggering restitution order. The case serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences for abusing government-backed pandemic relief programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Stephanie Hockridge: A Brief Biography and Career Profile

Before her name became synonymous with one of the largest COVID-19 fraud cases, Stephanie Hockridge built a career in local television news, primarily in the Southwestern United States. Her background is rooted in broadcast journalism, a path that once promised credibility and public trust.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

• Full Name: Stephanie Hockridge
• Age: Approximately 41–42 years old (as of her sentencing)
• Birthplace: Dallas, Texas
• Education: Studied broadcast journalism, including work at the Statehouse Bureau for Missouri Digital News.
• Former Profession: Television News Anchor/Journalist.
• Notable Affiliation: Former anchor at ABC15 (KNXV) in Phoenix, Arizona, where she worked until 2018.
• Spouse/Co-Defendant: Nathan Reis.
• Post-Journalism Role: Co-founder of the lender service provider Blueacorn.
• Legal Status: Convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Hockridge’s tenure at ABC15 in Phoenix cemented her reputation in the local media landscape. However, she departed the field of journalism in 2018, pivoting toward the business sector—a decision that would ultimately lead to her entanglement in federal criminal proceedings.

The Blueacorn Scandal: From News Desk to Federal Indictment

The transition from a trusted news anchor to a business executive involved in massive fraud centered on the company Blueacorn. Hockridge and her husband, Nathan Reis, founded and operated the fintech company, which was established to help small businesses apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Paycheck Protection Program was a critical part of the CARES Act, designed to provide forgivable loans to small businesses to keep their workforce employed during the economic crisis. However, Hockridge and Reis were accused of exploiting the system through Blueacorn.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

The federal indictment alleged that they conspired to submit false and fraudulent PPP loan applications. Prosecutors claimed that the pair, through their business operations, falsified details on applications to obtain loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This fraudulent activity involved a staggering amount of money, with the scheme ultimately totaling in the tens of millions of dollars.

The trial exposed the inner workings of the scheme, leading a federal jury to convict Stephanie Hockridge on a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The conviction highlighted her direct involvement in the fraudulent submission process, marking a complete and devastating end to her public life.

Sentencing and Aftermath: 10 Years in Prison and $64 Million Restitution

The latest and most definitive chapter in Stephanie Hockridge's saga is the severe sentencing she received in a federal courthouse in Fort Worth, Texas. The outcome delivered a powerful message about the government’s commitment to prosecuting pandemic-related fraud.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

In a final ruling, a federal judge sentenced the former ABC15 anchor to 120 months—a full ten years in federal prison. This sentence reflects the gravity and scale of the conspiracy to commit wire fraud charge.

Beyond the prison term, the financial penalties were equally devastating. Hockridge was ordered to pay an immense sum in restitution, totaling nearly $64 million. This massive figure is intended to compensate for the fraudulently obtained funds from the Paycheck Protection Program.

The case, officially known as a conspiracy to commit wire fraud, involved the falsification of crucial business details, a betrayal of the public trust that was once central to her career as a journalist. The sheer scale of the financial loss and the complexity of the scheme made this a landmark case in the PPP fraud landscape.

The sentencing officially marks the end of her freedom for the foreseeable future, transforming her from a familiar face on local television to one of the most high-profile individuals convicted in the massive wave of COVID-19 relief fraud. Her husband and co-defendant, Nathan Reis, also faced charges and was part of the same conspiracy.

The Legacy of the Fall: A Cautionary Tale of PPP Fraud

Stephanie Hockridge's story is a profound cautionary tale about the perils of greed and the consequences of exploiting public trust for private gain. Her conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud underscores the serious nature of the abuse that plagued the Paycheck Protection Program.

The entities involved, including Blueacorn and the SBA, became central to a complex legal battle that spanned years. The former news anchor's fall from grace is a powerful narrative—a respected media professional who leveraged her knowledge and position to participate in a scheme that defrauded the U.S. government of millions intended for struggling small businesses.

The 10-year sentence and the $64 million restitution order serve as a definitive closing statement on her involvement, ensuring that the name Stephanie Hockridge will forever be associated not with her career in broadcast journalism, but with one of the most significant federal fraud convictions of the pandemic era.