Attorney General Mayes Announces Indictments in ESA Program Fraud Case

Attorney General Mayes Announces Indictments in ESA Program Fraud Case

Two Out-of-State Residents Accused of Falsifying Applications for $110,000 in Fraudulent Payments

PHOENIX — Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Monday that a state grand jury has indicted two out-of-state residents, Johnny Lee Bowers and Ashley Meredith Hewitt (also known as Ashley Hopkins), on multiple felony counts, including conspiracy, fraud, and forgery.

The defendants allegedly exploited Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program by submitting fraudulent applications for children, including fictitious ones, using forged documents such as birth certificates, utility bills, and lease agreements.

Bowers and Hewitt are accused of submitting applications for 50 children, 43 of whom did not exist. They reportedly applied as parents using both their own names and fabricated identities, ultimately receiving approximately $110,000 in ESA funds. The money was allegedly used for personal expenses while they were residing in Colorado. Both individuals are now believed to be living in Utah.


“This is a clear abuse of a program intended to help Arizona children access educational opportunities,” said Attorney General Mayes.

The case was investigated by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Special Investigations Section and is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Haleigh Farrelly.

Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. For further details, a copy of the indictment is available.