Stephanie Hockridge Wikipedia | Biography
Stephanie Hockridge is a former Phoenix ABC15 news anchor turned fintech entrepreneur. She gained local recognition anchoring weekday news at KNXV‑TV for seven years. In 2020, she co‑founded Blueacorn, a fintech company that promised to help small businesses secure Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.
Prosecutors later accused Hockridge of leading a fraudulent PPP scheme. They said she and co‑conspirators fabricated payroll, tax, and bank documents to obtain larger PPP loans. Reports also indicate she ran a coaching service called “VIPPP”, where clients allegedly learned to submit false applications.
In June 2025, a federal jury convicted Hockridge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, while four other counts were dismissed. Later that year, a federal judge sentenced her to 10 years in prison and ordered nearly $64 million in restitution. Her defense argued she wanted to help struggling businesses, but prosecutors claimed she exploited a national emergency for personal gain.
Hockridge’s case became one of the most high-profile PPP fraud convictions in the United States. Her conviction drew widespread media attention and highlighted risks in rapid fintech-led government relief programs. Despite her legal troubles, her earlier career as a trusted news anchor remains a significant part of her public legacy.
Stephanie Hockridge Age
How old is Stephanie Hockridge?
Stephanie Hockridge is 42 years old as of 2026. She gained prominence as a trusted ABC15 Phoenix news anchor before co-founding Blueacorn. Her age marks a career shift from journalism to fintech entrepreneurship and eventual legal challenges connected to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud scheme.
Stephanie Hockridge Height
How tall is Stephanie Hockridge?
Stephanie Hockridge stands about 5 feet 8 inches (172 cm) tall. Her height contributed to a confident on-camera presence during her news anchor career. While her public image focuses on professional accomplishments, her stature enhanced her media persona and supported her strong broadcast performance in the Phoenix news market.
Stephanie Hockridge’s Husband
Stephanie Hockridge is married to Nathan “Nate” Reis, her longtime partner and Blueacorn co-founder. Prosecutors say Reis assisted her in preparing fraudulent PPP loan documents and collecting illegal kickbacks. He faces federal charges alongside Hockridge, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud connected to their COVID-era fintech scheme.
Stephanie Hockridge’s Children
Stephanie and Nathan have a young son, about one year old in 2025. His well-being influenced court decisions during her PPP fraud trial. Despite her 10-year prison sentence, Stephanie remains focused on family. Supporters highlight the importance of stability and childcare while her legal proceedings and sentence unfold.
Stephanie Hockridge Education
Stephanie completed high school at Ursuline Academy, where she developed communication skills. She then earned a journalism degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, gaining hands-on experience in reporting, writing, and broadcasting. Later, she attended Texas Christian University to further refine her media skills. Her education provided the foundation for a successful career as a Phoenix news anchor at ABC15. Additionally, it prepared her for her later entrepreneurial work with Blueacorn, even though the company became central to her federal case. Stephanie’s academic background demonstrates strong professional preparation for both journalism and business ventures.
Stephanie Hockridge Prison Sentence
What happened to Stephanie Hockridge?
In November 2025, a federal judge sentenced Stephanie Hockridge to 10 years in prison for her role in the PPP fraud scheme. She was also ordered to pay nearly $64 million in restitution. Her sentence includes two years of supervised release after prison. The judge considered her young son and family situation but emphasized the seriousness of exploiting federally backed relief funds. The case demonstrates the legal consequences of financial fraud during a national emergency. Stephanie’s conviction serves as a high-profile example of how misuse of government programs can lead to severe criminal penalties.
Stephanie Hockridge & Blueacorn Fintech
Stephanie co-founded Blueacorn in April 2020 with her husband, claiming the company would help small businesses access PPP loans. Prosecutors revealed that Blueacorn submitted fraudulent loan applications, inflating payroll and bank information to obtain higher PPP funds. The company ran a program called VIPPP, coaching clients on filing false documents. Blueacorn also reportedly collected illegal kickback fees based on loan amounts. The scheme’s collapse led to Hockridge’s federal conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, highlighting risks in rapidly expanding fintech loan services during emergency relief programs.
Stephanie Hockridge as ABC15 News Anchor
Stephanie Hockridge gained recognition as a news anchor at ABC15 (KNXV‑TV) in Phoenix, Arizona. She anchored major evening newscasts and earned a strong local following. Her storytelling skills and professionalism made her a respected journalist in the Phoenix market. She received Emmy nominations during her tenure from 2011 to 2018. Hockridge left the anchor desk to explore new opportunities, but her work as a trusted news anchor remains a key part of her public and professional legacy.
Stephanie Hockridge’s Wedding
Stephanie Hockridge married Nathan “Nate” Reis in an intimate ceremony in British Columbia. Their wedding took place in an 1886 chapel with vintage typewriters and rustic windowpanes as decor. Stephanie wore a delicate gown and created her own veil. The reception focused on meaningful, simple, and heartfelt celebrations with family and friends. Their marriage later led to a Blueacorn business partnership, blending personal and professional life. The ceremony reflected their shared creativity, values, and commitment, forming the foundation of both their family and entrepreneurial journey before legal troubles emerged.
Stephanie Hockridge Net Worth
Stephanie Hockridge’s estimated net worth is in the millions, mainly from co-founding Blueacorn. However, her $64 million restitution order will heavily impact her finances. Court-ordered repayment and legal costs are expected to significantly reduce her assets, altering her financial standing in the coming years.
