The FCC has barred seven people from E-rate and every other Universal Service Fund (USF) program for three years. All seven were convicted of or pleaded guilty to fraud involving E-rate money, and for the next three years none of them can receive USF funding or work as a consultant or advisor on these programs. Debarment is the FCC’s formal term for this kind of ban, and the action closes the proceedings the Commission opened in April.
What the bar covers
The bar reaches every federally funded USF program, not just E-rate. The FCC announced the action on September 3, 2026, after issuing suspension notices and opening debarment proceedings in April. None of the seven contested the proposed debarments.
Who was barred
The seven, and what each was convicted of:
- Donatus Anyanwu, Texas. Pleaded guilty to a mail and wire fraud conspiracy involving a scheme to obtain E-rate funds fraudulently.
- Donna Woods, Texas. Convicted of wire fraud and conspiracy charges related to an E-rate kickback scheme.
- Shawn Clemmons, Ohio. Pleaded guilty to making a false claim involving the E-rate invoicing and reimbursement process.
- Kenneth Collura, Ohio. Pleaded guilty to making a materially false statement to the federal government regarding E-rate eligibility.
- John Comito, New York. Pleaded guilty to a wire fraud conspiracy involving E-rate funding and 26 New York City schools.
- Charles Jones, Tennessee. Pleaded guilty to participating in a wire fraud conspiracy that defrauded the E-rate program.
- Mark Whitaker, Tennessee. Pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony, the charge for knowing about a crime and concealing it, in a case involving wire fraud against E-rate.
What the FCC said
The Commission described schemes built on false filings, fraudulent certifications, overbilling, and fabricated documentation, all of it used to enrich the individuals involved. The FCC said protecting USF programs from fraud, waste, and abuse remains an enforcement priority.
What this means for you
Nothing here changes your filings, your deadlines, or your funding requests. The practical takeaway is narrow. For the next three years, none of these seven can serve as a consultant or advisor on E-rate or any other USF program.
The FCC also changed its rules earlier this year so it can act more quickly and more broadly against misconduct in USF programs.
