PUA fraud trial faces new delays as court weighs 2026 start date

Four of the seven defendants accused in a Pandemic Unemployment Assistance fraud ring were back in federal court — and they’re now facing even more charges.
The group appeared before Magistrate Judge Michael Bordallo and pleaded not guilty to new money laundering allegations connected to more than $307,000. A grand jury issued a superseding indictment last week, adding conspiracy to commit money laundering for Charissa Tenorio, Tina Sanchez, Winnie Jo Santos, and Kathleen Peredo.
Tenorio — the sister of Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio — now faces additional counts. She and partner Frankie Rosalin owned Comfort Cuts and Grounds Maintenance, where Santos worked as a supervisor. Sanchez, Rosalin’s mother, also provided services to the business.
Prosecutors say the group, including three other defendants- Rosalin, Matthew Topasna, and Marlene Pinaula, allegedly conspired to file $1.9 million in fraudulent PUA claims at the height of the pandemic.
The case has been delayed twice as attorneys review nearly a million documents. A status hearing is set for January 13, 2026, with possible trial dates next June or September.
