Updated List of PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Criminal Cases

Our firm helps people who are being charged or investigated for alleged fraud in applying for or taking out PPP and EIDL loans funded by the CARES Act. We have helped our clients avoid criminal charges, negotiate fair resolutions, and fight back in court against exaggerated allegations of fraud.

Our strategy involves carefully reviewing all relevant loan and financial documents, consulting with forensic accountants and other financial specialists with experience in PPP and EIDL loans, and engaging law enforcement agents and prosecutors early in the process to ensure they have a full picture of the facts helpful to our clients. We also help our clients gain access to seized or frozen accounts by working with banks, and government agents to release money that rightfully belongs to our clients.

To help our clients understand the scope of these PPP and EIDL loan fraud investigations, and to make sure they are being treated fairly in the process, we keep close track of federal criminal cases involving CARES Act programs. We have gathered and summarized all cases that we are aware of that have been filed anywhere the United States. This list is organized by the date charges were filed, and only includes cases that have been indicted or charged by information. There are, of course, many other CARES Act fraud investigations currently pending that may later result in criminal charges.

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July 2022

Nyan Terry, Samir Jefferson, Nasir Williams, Hymen Reynolds, Brian Brown, and Cadece Lapread were charged with brank fraud. The conspirators allegedly submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications in the names of nonexistent small businesses, along with forged tax documents. They are alleged to have defrauded banks out of $62,000 and will face up to 30 years in prison.

June 2022

Frank Hamilton, Michael Jones, Peter An, Edwin Bonilla, Tina Chen, Joseph Greco, Timonthy Park, and Kenny Tran were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The government seeks to forfeit any property that was obtained directly or indirectly any proceeds obtained from the fraud. The group allegedly conspired to apply for SBA, PPP, and EIDL loans on behalf of their respective business that were dormant companies or were companies with limited business operations. In exchange for fees, several of the co-conspirators took actions to make the businesses appear to be functioning companies with operations and employees by creating fake documents, including fake bank statements and fictitious tax documents. They allegedly obtained over $7 million in PPP loans.

May 2022

Brandie Williams and Brittany Herbert were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of bank fraud. The Government alleged that Williams and Herbert conspired with other individuals to file more than 40 fraudulent loan applications seeking approximately $11.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds, obtaining approximately $8.7 million, and shared the proceeds with one another. The case was brought in Buffalo, New York and it is currently pending.

Omar Smith was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud. The Government alleged that Smith submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $212,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in West Palm Beach, Florida and it is currently pending.

April 2022

Don Cisternino was extradited from Croatia to face wire fraud, identity fraud, and illegal monetary transaction charges. The Government alleged that Cisternino submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $7.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Orlando, Florida, and his trial is currently scheduled for August 1, 2022.

Quincy Doss was charged with two counts of wire fraud. The Government alleged that Doss submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $220,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. Mr. Doss has pleaded not guilty and the case is pending.

Artur Chanchikyan was charged with wire fraud, theft of government property and concealment money laundering. The Government alleged that Chanchikyan submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking approximately $345,000 in COVID-19 relief funds through his home health agency, Gentle Touch Home Health Care Inc. The case was brought in Los Angeles, California. Chanchikyan has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is scheduled for June 7, 2022.

Jason Lopez was charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and payment of kickbacks in connection with a federal health care program. The Government alleged that Mr. Lopez billed Medicare over $2.5 million worth of unnecessary medical equipment and submitted fraudulent loan applications for over $105,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in West Palm Beach, Florida. Mr. Lopez has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is scheduled for June 27, 2022.

March 2022

Stacy Santemore, Sr. was charged with false statements and theft of government funds. The Government alleged that Mr. Santemore, an Amtrak employee, submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $89,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. Mr. Santemore’s trial is set for May 23, 2022.

Jean Rabbitt and Kevin Aguilar were charged with bank fraud and conspiracy to engage in monetary transaction charges. The Government alleged that Rabbitt filed fraudulent loan applications seeking over $3.3 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The Government also alleged that after Rabbitt’s businesses received the loans, Aguilar created fake payroll companies and accepted checks from Rabbitt’s businesses indicating that they were for payroll purposes. The case was brought in Newark, New Jersey and it is currently pending.

Grigor Garibyan was charged with two counts of theft of government property. The Government alleged that Garibyan filed fraudulent loan applications seeking over $57,000 in COVID-19 relief funds for his home health agency, GMA Home Health, Inc., which was never operational during the pandemic. The case was brought in Los Angeles, California. On March 10, 2022, Garibyan pleaded guilty to both charges and is scheduled for sentencing on June 16, 2022.

Adley Bernadin was charged with wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Bernadin filed fraudulent loan applications seeking approximately over $529,000 in COVID-19 relief funds for his companies La Salette Angel Home Care LLC and Adley Electric LP. The case was brought in Boston, Massachusetts and it is currently pending.

Kevin Mancieri was charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Mancieri filed 8 fraudulent loan applications seeking over $337,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Providence, Rhode Island and it is currently pending.

Sean Schoepflin and Erika Leon were charged with wire fraud and transactional money laundering. The Government alleged that Schoepflin and Leon filed fraudulent loan applications seeking over $300,000 in COVID-19 relief funds.

The case was brought in Los Angeles, California. Their trial is currently scheduled for May 24, 2022.

February 2022

Rafael Martinez was charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, false statements, aggravated identity theft, and other related charges. The Government alleged that Mr. Martinez acquired approval to issue PPP loans as a non-bank lender and earned over $70 million in lender fees. The case was brought in Foley Square, New York. Mr. Martinez has pleaded not guilty and his case is pending.

Romean Brown, Tyrek Clarke, Kenneth Desir, Stephan Dorminvil, Kai Heyward, Keith James, Christopher Jean-Pierre, Oneal Marks, Jahriah Olivierre, Roleeke Smith, and Christopher Topey were charged with conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. The Government alleged that the defendants conspired to steal approximately $4.3 million dollars in unemployment insurance benefits funded by COVID-19 relief programs. It is also alleged that all defendants are members or associates of the Woo Gang, which is based in Brooklyn. The case was brought in Brooklyn, New York and it is currently pending.

Michael DiMassa, John Bernardo, John Trasacco, and Lauren Knox were charged with wire fraud and conspiracy charges. The Government alleged that DiMassa, a Connecticut State Representative, conspired with the other defendants to submit fraudulent invoices for services that were never provided by the City of West Haven. The City of West Haven received over $1.15 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in New Haven, Connecticut. The defendants have pleaded not guilty, and their trial is scheduled for April 21, 2022.

Jamie Johnson was charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. The Government alleged that Ms. Johnson filed fraudulent unemployment insurance applications under stolen identities to receive over $700,000 in benefits during course of the pandemic. Ms. Johnson pleaded guilty on February 16, 2022, and she is scheduled to be sentenced on June 22, 2022.

Tianna Hart was charged with one count of making false statements to an agency of the U.S. The Government alleged that Ms. Hart, a former Deputy Sheriff, made a false statement to the SBA in her PPP application. The case was brought in New Orleans, LA. Ms. Hart has pleaded not guilty, and her trial is scheduled for May 9, 2022.

Shaquandra Woods, Courtney Gilchrist, and Kenneth Jackson were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, false statements on loan applications, and false documents. The Government alleged that the defendants submitted fraudulent tax documents to seek over $100,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. Woods and Gilchrist are both licensed attorneys. The case was brought in Savannah, Georgia. The defendants have pleaded not guilty, and the case is currently pending.

Chad Schampers was charged with one count of wire fraud and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Schampers filed one fraudulent loan application seeking almost $300,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Green Bay, Wisconsin. His trial is scheduled for April 11, 2022.

January 2022

Myrna Ortiz was charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and over 30 counts of conversion of government funds. The Government alleged that Ms. Ortiz fraudulently obtained Social Security benefits and COVID-19 unemployment benefits with an individual she met through an online dating site. It is also alleged that Ms. Ortiz opened 10 bank accounts to steal over $600,000 in COVID-19 relief funds and launder the funds to her co-conspirator. It is alleged that the scheme between Ms. Ortiz and her co-conspirator has affected at least 23 victims. The case was brought in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her trial is scheduled for July 28, 2022.

Brittany Shearod was charged with attempt and conspiracy to commit fraud and multiple counts of wire fraud. The Government alleged that Ms. Shearod, along with 21 other individuals, conspired to submit fraudulent loan applications seeking over $3.8 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Shearod has pleaded not guilty and her case is currently pending.

Rodriquez Redding was charged with one count of wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Redding submitted 2 fraudulent loan applications seeking over $40,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Redding pleaded guilty on January 21, 2022. On February 1, 2022, Mr. Redding was sentenced to a total of 7 years in prison. He was also sentenced on charges of drug trafficking and money laundering in a separate case that same day.

Keishon Brown was charged with one count of wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Brown filed fraudulent loan applications seeking over $60,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Providence, Rhode Island. Mr. Brown plead guilty to an Information on February 1, 2022. His sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for April 26, 2022.

December 2021

Audri Ford-Victory was charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy. The Government alleged that Ms. Ford-Victory submitted more than 100 fraudulent Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims seeking over $1.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. It is also alleged that Ms. Ford-Victory received some kickback payments for submitting the claims. On January 31, 2022, Ms. Ford-Victory pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud conspiracy, and her sentencing is currently scheduled for June 1, 2022.

Valesky Barosy was charged with wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft. The Government alleged that Mr. Barosy submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Mr. Barosy has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is currently scheduled for March 14, 2022.

Darius McCants was charged with attempt and conspiracy and multiple counts of wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. McCants, along with 21 other individuals, conspired to submit fraudulent loan applications seeking over $3.8 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. McCants has pleaded not guilty and his case is currently pending.

Michael McGee, Jr. was charged with attempt and conspiracy to commit fraud, multiple counts of wire fraud, and interstate commerce. The Government alleged that Mr. McGee, along with 21 other individuals, conspired to submit fraudulent loan applications seeking over $3.8 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. McGee has pleaded not guilty and his case is currently pending.

Malik Mitchum andJenna Mitchum were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Government alleged that the couple conspired to submit fraudulent loan applications seeking over $5.1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Newport News, Virginia. Mr. and Ms. Mitchum pleaded guilty on January 12, 2022 and are scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2022.

Jonathan Olivetti was charged with one count of wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Olivetti, a Pennsylvania attorney, conspired to submit 2 fraudulent loan applications seeking over $120,000 by inflating the payroll at his law firm. The case was brought in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Olivetti entered a plea agreement on December 13, 2021 and is scheduled to appear for his change of plea on April 1, 2022.

November 2021

Amir Aqeel, Siddiq Azeemuddin, Rifat Bajwa, Pardeep Basra, Mayer Misak, Mauricio Navia, Richard Reuth, andRaheel Malik were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that the defendants conspired to submit fraudulent loan applications and obtain over $3 million in COVID-19 relief funds. On November 8, Mr. Azeemuddin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 7, 2022. Mr. Malik pleaded guilty on the same day to conspiracy with a five-year maximum sentence, and he is also scheduled to be sentenced on March 7, 2022. On November 9, 2021, Mr. Reuth pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and he is also scheduled for sentencing on March 7, 2022. The other defendants are scheduled for trial on May 9, 2022.

October 2021

Jacob Carter, Quadri Salahuddin, Anwar Salahuddin, andChristal Ransom were charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The Government alleged that the defendants submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $7.6 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The Government alleges that the defendants engaged in a scheme where they obtained other people’s personal identifying information in order to apply for COVID-19 relief loans, which they obtained for people in exchange for kickbacks. The case was brought in White Plains, New York. The Government filed a criminal complaint on October 11, 2021. The case was indicted in November 2021 and the defendants pleaded not guilty at their arraignment. The case is pending.

Mack Devon Knight was charged with two counts of wire fraud, one count of making a false statement, one count of making a false statement on a loan application, and one count of money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Knight submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained $149,900 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Brunswick, Georgia. The Government unsealed the indictment on October 15, 2021 and Mr. Knight pleaded not guilty at his arraignment. His case is pending.

Vinath Oudomsine was charged with one count of wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Oudomsine submitted a fraudulent loan application and obtained $85,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Dublin, Georgia. Mr. Oudomsine was charged by information on October 19, 2021, and he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud on October 28, 2021. His sentencing hearing has not been scheduled yet.

Michael Tolliver was charged with two counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Tolliver submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $7.6 million in COVID-19 relief funds, of which he obtained over $1.1 million. The case was brought in Monroe, Louisiana. Mr. Tolliver pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in November 2021 and his case is pending.

Luke Pierre, Jr. was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Pierre submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $414,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. On November 1, 2021, he plead guilty to an information and was sentenced to 24 months on February 2, 2022.

Mark Mason, Jr. was charged with one count of wire fraud and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Mason, along with 21 other individuals, conspired to submit fraudulent loan applications seeking over $3.8 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Mason pleaded guilty on January 4, 2022 and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 2022.

September 2021

Tiyari andFarah Collins were each charged by separate information with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, and Mr. Tiyari was also charged with one count of fraud and false statements based on his filing of fraudulent tax returns. The Government alleged that Mr. and Mrs. Collins submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking approximately $1.9 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The Government also alleged that Mr. Tiyari used his tax-preparation business to file thousands of fraudulent tax returns resulting in a loss of $3.8 million to the IRS. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Their sentencing hearing is set for March 15, 2022.

August 2021

Christina McConnell was charged with two counts of illegal monetary transactions. The Government alleged that Ms. McConnell submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $232,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Ms. McConnell pleaded guilty to the charges on September 7, 2021. She was sentenced to 2 years of probation on February 28, 2022.

July 2021

Peter Peacock Blood was charged with two counts of making false statements on a loan application. The Government alleged that Mr. Blood submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $600,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Portland, Oregon. Mr. Blood has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is set for April 19, 2022.

Lebnitz Tran was charged with six counts of wire fraud and three counts of bank fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Tran submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $8 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in San Francisco, California. Mr. Tran has pleaded not guilty, and the case is pending.

Trevor Lanius-McLeod and Kasey Wilson were charged with bank fraud and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. McLeod and Ms. Wilson submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Billings, Montana. Mr. McLeod and Ms. Wilson have both pleaded guilty. Ms. Wilson’s sentencing hearing is set for March 23, 2022 and Mr. McLeod’s sentencing hearing is set for April 21, 2022.

Robert Benlevi was charged with bank fraud, making false statements to a financial institution, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Benlevi submitted 27 fraudulent loan applications seeking $27 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Los Angeles. Mr. Benlevi has pleaded not guilty, and trial is scheduled for March 14, 2022.

Johnson Eustache was charged with wire fraud and false statements. The Government alleged that Mr. Eustache submitted 13 loan applications seeking over $2.1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Orlando, Florida. Mr. Eustache pleaded guilty to an information on July 8, 2021. On January 20, 2022, he was sentenced to 60 months in prison.

June 2021

Darris Cotton was charged with mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Cotton submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $312,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in San Diego, California. Mr. Cotton pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud on March 4, 2022, and his sentencing is scheduled for May 27, 2022.

Curtis and Dereen Porch were charged with three counts of wire fraud and one count of theft of government property. The Government alleged that Mr. and Mrs. Porch submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $364,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Columbus, Georgia. The Porchs have both pleaded guilty and their sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 29, 2022.

May 2021

Danielle Miller was charged with three counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. The Government alleged that Ms. Miller used other people’s personal identifying information to open bank accounts and submit fraudulent loan applications for over $900,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The Government also alleged that Ms. Miller submitted fraudulent requests for unemployment benefits. The case was brought in Boston, Massachusetts. Ms. Miller has pleaded not guilty. Her trial has not been scheduled yet.

Anthony Boncimino was charged with four counts of bank fraud, four counts of money laundering, and six counts of making false statements. The Government alleged that Mr. Boncimino submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $2.6 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Albany, Georgia. On November 9, 2021, Mr. Boncimino pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. On March 16, 2022, Mr. Boncimino was sentenced to 36 months in prison.

Robert Bearden was charged with three counts of wire fraud and one count of theft of government funds. The Government alleged that Mr. Bearden submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking about $60,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Cleveland, Ohio. On November 4, 2021, Mr. Bearden pleaded guilty. His sentencing is scheduled for February 24, 2022.

Gregory J. Blotnick was charged with eight counts of wire fraud and six counts of money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Blotnick submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $4.6 million COVID-19 relief funds and transferring that money to his brokerage accounts to buy stock. The case was brought in Newark, New Jersey. On October 13, 2021, Mr. Blotnick pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 1, 2022.

April Falgoust was charged with one count of wire fraud. The Government alleged that Ms. Falgoust filed 5 fraudulent loan applications seeking over $500,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Ms. Falgoust pleaded guilty to an information on July 22, 2021. On December 21, 2021, she was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

April 2021

Juliana Martins was charged with false statements and theft of government money. The Government alleged that Ms. Martins submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $40,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Providence, Rhode Island. On March 2, 2022, Ms. Martins pleaded guilty to the charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 4, 2022.

Marcus Frazier was charged with major fraud against the United States, making false statements on a loan application, making false statements to the Government, making false statements to the Small Business Administration, money laundering, wire fraud, and bank fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Frazier submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $6.9 million in COVID-19 relief funds, of which he received approximately $2.2 million. The case was brought in New York, New York. On October 25, 2021, Mr. Frazier pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 1, 2022.

Mary Benton, Angelica Cartwright-Powers, Michael Lewis, and Michael White were charged with conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with major disaster benefits and mail fraud. The Government alleged that Benton and Cartwright-Powers worked with Lewis and White, two prison inmates in Virginia, to collect the personal identifiable information of other inmates and fraudulently apply for unemployment benefits expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case was brought in Norfolk, Virginia. On June 24, 2021, Ms. Benton pleaded guilty to mail fraud. On November 2, 2021, she was sentenced to 78 months in prison. On July 13, 2021, Ms. Cartwright-Powers pleaded guilty to fraud in connection with emergency benefits. Her sentencing is set for March 24, 2022. On July 28, 2021, Mr. Lewis pleaded guilty to mail fraud and he was sentenced to 115 months. On September 29, 2021, Mr. White pleaded guilty to mail fraud. He was sentenced to 57 months on February 2, 2022.

Maurice Kamgaing was charged with wire fraud in relation to a major disaster or emergency benefit, making false statements to a bank, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Kamgaing submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $1.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Charlotte, North Carolina. On August 25, 2021, Mr. Kamgaing pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in relation to emergency benefits and one count of money laundering. On January 6, 2022, he was sentenced to 33 months.

Andrew Tezna was charged with one count of bank fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Tezna submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained $350,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. Tezna pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. Mr. Tezna was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Oumar Sissoko was charged with four counts of wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Sissoko submitted fraudulent loan applications to obtain over $7 million in COVID-19, which he then allegedly misappropriated on personal expenses. The case was brought in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Sissoko has pleaded not guilty. His trial is currently scheduled for March 22, 2022.

Paul and Michelle Kwak were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that the Kwaks submitted fraudulent loan applications on behalf of several shell companies to obtain over $4 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. The Kwaks have pleaded not guilty, and the case is pending.

Joseph Cartlidge, David Redfern, andEric McMiller were charged with multiple counts of wire fraud, bank fraud, and attempt and conspiracy to commit fraud. The Government alleged that Cartlidge, Redfern, and McMiller were recruited to submit fraudulent loan applications seeking over $2.7 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Greensboro, North Carolina. On August 9, 2021, Mr. Cartlidge pleaded guilty to one count of attempt and conspiracy to commit fraud. Mr. Redfern and Mr. McMiller both pleaded guilty on September 23, 2021 to multiple counts of wire fraud. On February 14, 2022, Mr. Cartlidge was sentenced to 72 months in prison, Mr. Redfern was sentenced to 60 months in prison, and Mr. McMiller was sentenced to 66 months in prison.

March 2021

Katrina Lawson, Alicia Quarterman, Tranesha Quarterman, Nikia Wakefield, Darryl Washington, Adarin Jones, James McFarland, Katie Quarterman, India Middleton, and Victor Montgomery were charged with attempt and conspiracy to commit fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Ms. Lawson and Ms. Quarterman submitted fraudulent loan applications on behalf of the other defendants seeking over $700,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The Government discovered evidence of the scheme while serving a warrant on Ms. Quarterman as part of a meth-trafficking investigation. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. On November 11, 2021, Mr. Montgomery pleaded guilty, but the terms of his plea are under seal. On December 14, 2021, Tranesha Quarterman pleaded guilty, and sentencing is scheduled for March 23, 2022. All the other defendants have pleaded not guilty, and their cases are pending.

Francis Joseph was charged with theft in connection with healthcare, theft of government funds, wire fraud, and making a false statement in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding. The Government alleged misappropriated COVID-19 relief funds that his medical clinic received from the federal Government, based in part on transfers from his clinic’s account to his personal account. The case was brought in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Joseph has pleaded not guilty. His trial is set for April 4, 2022.

Christopher Hayes was charged with making a false, fictious, or fraudulent claim to the Government. The Government alleged that Mr. Hayes submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $1.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Mr. Hayes was held accountable for obtaining over $240,000. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Hayes pleaded guilty. On August 3, 2021, Mr. Hayes was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

Leonel Rivero was charged with wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Rivero, a tax preparer, submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking to obtain over 100 loans for $2.3 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Miami, Florida. On September 3, 2021, he pleaded guilty. On November 17, 2021, he was sentenced to 24 months in prison.

Dennes Garcia was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to attempt to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Garcia submitted fraudulent loan applications for $285,742 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Fort Lauderdale. Mr. Garcia pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on July 6, 2021. On October 13, 2021, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Cindi Denton was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to attempt to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. The Government alleged that Ms. Denton submitted fraudulent loan applications for $491,310 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Ms. Denton pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on July 22, 2021. On October 8, 2021, Ms. Denton was sentenced to 6 months in prison and 12 months on home confinement.

February 2021

Lakisha Swope and Treisha Pearson were charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Ms. Swope and Ms. Pearson submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $5 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Swope and Ms. Pearson have pleaded not guilty, and their trial is scheduled for February 22, 2022.

Yun Jae Moon was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States. The Government alleged that Mr. Moon submitted fraudulent loan applications on behalf of sixteen businesses seeking over $2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Moon pleaded guilty. On October 20, 2021, Mr. Moon was sentenced to 24 months in prison.

Robert Stewart was charged with wire fraud, theft of government funds, and making false statements. The Government alleged that Mr. Stewart submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained over $250,000 in COVID-19 relief funds and that he was engaged in two other, separate fraudulent schemes to obtain government contracts and military benefits. The case was brought in Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. Stewart pleaded guilty to all charges. On June 16, 2021, Mr. Stewart was sentenced to 21 months on each count, to run concurrently.

Tracy Kirkland was charged with wire fraud. The Government alleged that Ms. Kirkland submitted a fraudulent loan application seeking over $66,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Statesboro, Georgia. Ms. Kirkland pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 33 months in prison.

Amina Abbas was charged with theft of public money, property, or records. The Government alleged that Ms. Abbas submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained over $37,000 in COVID-19 relief funds to care for individuals with cases of COVID-19. The case was brought in Detroit, Michigan. Ms. Abbas pleaded guilty on February 1, 2022 and is awaiting sentencing.

January 2021

Rodericque Thompson, Micah Baisden, Travis Crosby, Keith Maloney, Tabronx Smith, and Thomas Wilson were charged with attempt and conspiracy to commit fraud, bank fraud, making false statements to a financial institution, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Thompson recruited the other defendants in order to submit fraudulent loan applications on behalf of each of their companies, seeking approximately $3 million total in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. To date, all of the defendants except for Mr. Crosby have pleaded guilty to at least one of the counts of the indictment. They have not yet been sentenced. Mr. Crosby is scheduled to go to trial on April 26, 2022.

Brandon Ridge was charged with brank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Ridge submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking almost $500,000 in COVID-19 relief loans, of which he obtained $160,000. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. On August 4, 2021, Mr. Ridge pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. On December 8, 2021, he was sentenced to 24 months in prison.

December 2020

Izzat Freitekh and Tarik Freitekh were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud scheme, money laundering, and other related charges. The Government alleged that Izzat and his son Tarik submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $1.7 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Charlotte, North Carolina. Izzat and Tarik were found guilty at trial on March 17, 2022. Their sentencing date has not been scheduled at this time.

Hassan Kanyike was charged with wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Kanyike submitted several fraudulent loan applications seeking over $1.8 million in COVID-19 relief funds, of which he received $1.3 million. The case was brought in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Kanyike has pleaded guilty. On November 15, 2021, he was sentenced to 51 months in prison.

Austin VanScoyk and Samuel Fiedler were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. VanScoyk and Mr. Fiedler conspired to submit fraudulent loan applications seeking almost $3 million in COVID-19 relief funds, of which they received around $1.2 million. The case was brought in Tucson, Arizona. On December 3, 2020, Mr. Fiedler pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On August 13, 2021, Mr. Fiedler was sentenced to 8 months in prison. On November 17, 2021, Mr. VanScoyk was sentenced to 10 months in prison.

November 2020

Damilola Lawal and Idowu Raji were charged with multiple counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and related charges. The Government alleged that Lawal and Raji submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $900,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Baltimore, Maryland. Lawal pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in November 2021, and Raji pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft on March 9, 2022. Their sentencing dates are to be determined.

Jacinthia Williams was charged with one count of wire fraud. The Government alleged that that Ms. Williams submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $137,500 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Augusta, Georgia. Ms. Williams pleaded guilty. She was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day.

Scott Suber was charged with one count of bank fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Suber submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained $350,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Norfolk, Virginia. On December 9, 2020, Mr. Suber pleaded guilty to an information. On May 20, 2021, Mr. Suber was sentenced to 24 months in prison.

Princess Terry was charged with wire fraud, making false statements to a bank, and money laundering. The Government alleged that, while she was out on bond in a pre-existing healthcare fraud case, Ms. Terry submitted fraudulent loan applications to obtain $290,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Memphis, Tennessee. Ms. Terry was sentenced to 65 months in the prior healthcare fraud scheme. On June 9, 2021, Ms. Terry pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements on a loan application and one count of money laundering. On November 1, 2021, Ms. Terry was sentenced to a total term of 51 months in prison, to run consecutively to her prior 65-month sentence.

Michael Bischoff was charged with one count of bank fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Bischoff, who owned multiple pizza restaurants, submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking to obtain almost $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Bischoff pleaded guilty on November 23, 2020. On September 14, 2021, he was sentenced to 32 months in prison.

October 2020

Maurice Mills was charged with one count of wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Mills illegally received over $450,000 in unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Mills pleaded guilty to the charge on September 20, 2021. He was sentenced to 80 months in prison on March 3, 2022.

Hunter VanPelt was charged with one count of bank fraud. The Government alleged that Ms. VanPelt submitted fraudulent loan applications on behalf of six of her companies seeking almost $8 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. VanPelt pleaded guilty on August 18, 2021. On January 4, 2022, she was sentenced to 41 months.

Tonye Johnson was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud. The Government alleged Mr. Johnson participated in a conspiracy with others that involved submitting fraudulent loan applications seeking a total of $24 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Mr. Johnson was held accountable for fraudulently obtaining a loan of $389,627. The case was brought in Miami, Florida. Mr. Johnson pleaded guilty. On July 29, 2021, Mr. Johnson was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Steven Goldstein was charged with fraud in connection with major disaster benefits. The Government alleged that Mr. Goldstein submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained over $655,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Los Angeles, California. On December 7, 2020, Mr. Goldstein pleaded guilty. On September 14, 2021, Mr. Goldstein was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison.

Raymond Magana was charged with fraud in connection with major disaster benefits. The Government alleged that Mr. Magana submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $2 million in COVID-19 relief funds, obtained over $1 million. The case was brought in Los Angeles, California. On January 26, 2021, Mr. Magana pleaded guilty. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 18, 2022.

Austin Hsu was charged with one count of wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Hsu submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $1.1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Seattle, Washington. Mr. Hsu pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. On August 10, 2021, Mr. Hsu was sentenced to 24 months in prison.

Stephen Smith was charged with two counts each of bank fraud and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Smith submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained over $600,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Smith pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. On July 14, 2021, Mr. Smith was sentenced to 36 months in prison.

Thomas Smith was charged with bank fraud and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Smith submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained over $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Smith pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. On June 2, 2021, Mr. Smith was sentenced to 57 months in prison.

Samuel Davis was charged with bank fraud and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Davis submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained over $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Smith pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. On June 4, 2021, Mr. Davis was sentenced to 6 months in prison.

Robert Hamilton was charged with bank fraud and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Hamilton submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained over $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Hamilton pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. On June 22, 2021, Mr. Hamilton was sentenced to 6 months in prison.

Jonathan Henley was charged with bank fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Henley submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained over $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Henley pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. On September 23, 2021, Mr. Henley was sentenced to 6 months in prison.

Ronald Smith and Terri Miller were charged with wire fraud, money laundering, and fraud in connection with emergency benefits. The Government alleged that the married couple defrauded 1,700 victims in a scheme involving applying for small business loans and fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits. The case was brought in Norfolk, Virginia. Mr. Smith pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 120 months. Ms. Miller pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 months.

Richard Ayvazyan, Marietta Terabelian, Artur Ayvazyan, Tamara Dadyan, Manuk Grigoryan, Arman Hayrapetyan, Edvard Paronyan, andVahe Dadyan were charged with conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, and other charges. The Government alleged that the defendants conspired to submit over 150 fraudulent loan applications seeking almost $22 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Los Angeles, California. On May 27, 2021, Edvard Paronyan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud and one count of money laundering. On September 27, 2021, he was sentenced to 30 months in prison. On June 7, 2021, Manuk Grigoryan pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. On October 25, 2021, he was sentenced to 72 months in prison. On June 14, 2021, Tamara Dadyan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering conspiracy. She is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2021. On June 21, 2021, Arman Hayrapetyan pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy. On October 18, 2021, he was sentenced to 10 months probation. On June 14, 2021, Vahe Dadyan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, and money laundering conspiracy. On October 18, 2021, he was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison. On June 28, 2021, after a 9-day jury trial, Richard Ayvazyan, Marietta Terabelian, and Artur Ayvazyan were found guilty. On November 15, 2021, Richard Ayvazyan was sentenced to 17 years and Marietta Terabelian was sentenced to 72 months in prison.

Didier Kindambu was charged with multiple counts of bank fraud, money laundering, and making false statements. The Government alleged that Mr. Kindambu submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained over $2.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. Kindambu pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. On October 21, 2021, Mr. Kindambu was sentenced to 33 months in prison.

September 2020

Casey Crowther was charged with multiple counts of bank fraud, making false statements on a loan application, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Crowther submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Fort Myers, Florida. Mr. Crowther went to trial and was found guilty on five counts, including bank fraud, making false statements on a loan application, and money laundering. On June 29, 2021, Mr. Crowther was sentenced to 37 months in prison.

Tristan Pan was charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Pan submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $6 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Raleigh, North Carolina. Mr. Pan has pleaded guilty and he was sentenced to 20 months on March 15, 2022.

Michael Moller was charged with bank fraud and making false statements to the SBA. The Government alleged that Mr. Moller submitted several fraudulent loan applications seeking over $4.7 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Mr. Moller has a prior conviction for fraud. The case was brought in Providence, Rhode Island. On October 27, 2020, Mr. Moller pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. On October 12, 2021, Mr. Moller was sentenced to 70 months in prison.

Dinesh Sah was charged with several counts of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Sah submitted several fraudulent loan applications seeking approximately $24.8 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Sah had pleaded guilty. On July 18, 2021, he was sentenced to over 11 years in prison.

Joshua Bellamy was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Bellamy, a former NFL player, worked with several others to submit fraudulent loan applications seeking more than $24 million in COVID-19 relief funds, and that Mr. Bellamy obtained $1.2 million as a result. The case was brought in Miami, Florida. On June 9, 2021, Mr. Bellamy pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On December 10, 2021, Mr. Bellamy was sentenced to 37 months in prison.

Lola Kasali was charged with making false statements to a financial institution and bank fraud. The Government alleged that Ms. Kasali submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained more than $1.9 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Houston, Texas. Ms. Kasali has pleaded not guilty. Her trial began on December 6, 2021, and on December 8, 2021, a jury found her guilty on all counts. Her sentencing is set for February 25, 2022.

Tiara Walker was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud. The Government alleged Ms. Walker participated in a conspiracy with others that involved submitting fraudulent loan applications seeking a total of $24 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Miami, Florida. Ms. Walker has pleaded guilty. On July 13, 2021, Ms. Walker was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison.

Jae Choi was charged with several counts of bank fraud, making a false statement on a loan application, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft, The Government alleged that Mr. Choi submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained approximately $9 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Newark, New Jersey. Mr. Choi has a change of plea hearing scheduled for February 15, 2022.

August 2020

Darrell Thomas, Andre Gaines, Kahlil Green, Bern Benoit, Carla Jackson, Ricky Dixon, Meghan Thomas, Jesika Blakely, Amanda Christian, Dwan Ashong, and twelve others were charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, making false statements to a financial institution, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Thomas recruited the other defendants in order to submit fraudulent loan applications on behalf of fourteen different businesses, which did not have any employees or business expenses, seeking over $12 million in COVID-19 relief funds. All of these cases were brought in Atlanta, Georgia. On September 1, 2020, Khalil Green pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. He was sentenced to 41 months in prison on January 14, 2021. On March 11, 2021, Bern Benoit pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. On September 8, 2021, he was sentenced to 27 months in prison. On June 16, 2021, Darrell Thomas pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and one count of money laundering, and he also admitted to additional fraud as part of his plea deal, including obtaining fraudulent automobile loans. His sentencing is scheduled for December 15, 2021. On September 29, 2021, Charles Hill pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and he was sentenced to probation for 5 years, with the first 27 months to be served on home detention on January 12, 2022. On November 2, 2021, Charles Petty pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and his sentencing is scheduled for February 23, 2022. All the other defendants have pleaded not guilty. Denesseria Slaton was charged separately and has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud. Her sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2022. Charmaine Redding was also charged separately and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud. On October 21, 2021, Ms. Redding was sentenced to 27 months in prison.

Denesseria Slaton was charged separately and has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud. Her sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2022. Charmaine Redding was also charged separately and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud. On October 21, 2021, Ms. Redding was sentenced to 27 months in prison.

Antonio George, Kevin Womble, Andrae Sims, and Sarah Vidal were charged with one count of wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. George and his co-defendants submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $4.1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Mr. George also faces separate charges involving tax fraud. The case was brought in Detroit, Michigan. All the defendants pleaded guilty in October 2021. Mr. George is scheduled for sentencing on March 15, 2022. Mr. Womble is scheduled for sentencing on April 18, 2022, while the other two defendants are scheduled for sentencing on April 20, 2022.

Brandon Lewis was charged with two counts of wire fraud and one count of making false statements. The Government alleged that Mr. Lewis orchestrated three different fraudulent schemes, including running a sham business offering pandemic-related goods, soliciting fees from businesses seeking non-existent relief grants, and submitting fraudulent loan applications to the SBA. The case was brought in Greensboro, North Carolina. Mr. Lewis pleaded guilty to all counts. He was sentenced to 63 months in prison.

Latoya Stanley and her partner, Johnny Philus were both charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Government alleged that Ms. Stanley and Mr. Philus submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Miami, Florida. Both Ms. Stanley and Mr. Philus have pleaded guilty. On June 2, 2021, Ms. Stanley was sentenced to 18 months in prison. On the same day, Mr. Philus was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

Kyle Brenizer was charged with several counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft. The Government alleged that Mr. Brenizer submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained $841, 000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. Brenizer has pleaded not guilty, but a change of plea hearing has been scheduled for January 31, 2022.

Brandon Casutt was charged with making false statements to a bank, wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Casutt submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained $500,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr. Casutt pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial on March 14, 2022.

Damion McKenzie andKeyaira Bostic were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. McKenzie and Ms. Bostic participated in a conspiracy with others that involved submitting fraudulent loan applications seeking a total of $24 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Miami, Florida. On October 8, 2021, Damion McKenzie pleaded guilty, and he was sentenced to 44 months on January 21, 2022. On November 24, 2021, Ms. Bostic was convicted after a jury trial on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud. She was found not guilty of bank fraud. On February 3, 2022, she was sentenced to 44 months.

Andre Clark was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud. The Government alleged Mr. Clark participated in a conspiracy with others that involved submitting fraudulent loan applications seeking a total of $24 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Miami, Florida. On May 14, 2021, Mr. Clark pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On August 30, 2021, Mr. Clark was sentenced to 33 months in prison.

Kenneth Gaughan was charged with bank fraud, theft of government funds, identity fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Gaughan submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking approximately $2.1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The Government has also indicted Mr. Gaughan in a separate, unrelated case involving allegations that he defrauded his employer. The case was brought in Washington, D.C. Mr. Gaughan is scheduled for a change of plea hearing on March 2, 2022 in both cases.

Lee Price was charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, and making false statements to a lending institution. The Government alleged that Mr. Price submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $1.6 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Houston, Texas. On September 20, 2021, Mr. Price pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. On November 29, 2021, Mr. Price was sentenced to 110 months in prison.

July 2020

David Hines was charged with wire fraud, making false statements to a lending institution, bank fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Hines submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained approximately $3.4 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Miami, Florida. Mr. Hines pleaded guilty to wire fraud. On May 12, 2021, Mr. Hines was sentenced to 78 months in prison.

Mukund Mohan was charged with several counts each of wire fraud and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Mohan submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $5.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Seattle, Washington. Mr. Mohan pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. On August 24, 2021, Mr. Mohan was sentenced to 24 months in prison.

Andrew Marnell was charged with several counts of bank fraud and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Marnell submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained over $9 million in COVID-19 relief funding. The case was brought in Los Angeles, California. On September 14, 2021, Mr. Marnell pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of money laundering. His sentencing is scheduled for February 14, 2022.

Joshua Argires was charged in a criminal complaint with making false statements to a financial institution, wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Argires submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained more than $1.1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Houston, Texas. On June 17, 2021, Mr. Argires pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. On October 21, 2021, Mr. Argires was sentenced to 8 months in prison.

Wyleia Williams, James Stote, Deon Levy, and Ross Charno were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud. The Government alleged that the defendants participated in a conspiracy with others that involved submitting fraudulent loan applications seeking a total of $24 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Cleveland, Ohio. The defendants have been charged by complaint. Mr. Charno and Ms. Williams both pleaded guilty on January 13, 2022, and are scheduled for sentencing on May 23 and 25, 2022, respectively. Mr. Stote pleaded guilty on January 3, 2022 and is scheduled for sentencing on May 6, 2022. Mr. Levy’s case is still unindicted and is pending.

Oludamilare Olugbuyi was charged with making false statements to a bank. The Government alleged that Mr. Olugbuyi submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $400,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Washington, D.C. The Government has dismissed the complaint against Mr. Olugbuyi without prejudice, meaning they may still indict him in the future.

Ganell Tubbs was charged with two counts of bank fraud, loan application fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Ms. Tubbs submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained almost $2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Little Rock, Arkansas. Ms. Tubbs pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. She was sentenced to 41 months in prison.

June 2020

Eric Shibley was charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Dr. Shibley submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $3 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Seattle, Washington. He was found guilty on all charges at trial and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2022.

Nadine Jackson was charged with wire fraud and making false statements. The Government alleged that Ms. Jackson submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $2.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Dayton, Ohio. Ms. Jackson pleaded to both counts. She was sentenced to 24 months in prison.

Jase Gautreaux was charged with making false statements to a financial institution, bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Gautreaux submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $13 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Houston, Texas. Mr. Gautreaux pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to a financial institution. On August 2, 2021, Mr. Gautreaux was sentenced to 70 months in prison.

Elijah Buoi was charged with wire fraud and making false statements to a bank. The Government alleged that Mr. Buoi submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking more than $13 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. Buoi was found guilty of all charges on February 24, 2022 and he is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16, 2022.

Tarik Jaafar was charged with conspiracy against the United States and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Jaafar submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $6 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. Jaafar pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy against the U.S. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Monika Jaworska was charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Government alleged that Ms. Jaworska submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $6 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Alexandria, Virginia. Ms. Jaworska pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. She was sentenced to time served, approximately 3 months in prison.

Fahad Shah was charged with wire fraud, making false statements to a bank, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Shah submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking more than $3 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Sherman, Texas. On May 19, 2021, Mr. Shah pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. On September 16, 2021, Mr. Shah was sentenced to 31 months in prison.

Rahul Shah was charged with bank fraud, making false statements on a loan application, and identity fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Shah submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking more than $400,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Shah has pleaded not guilty. The case is pending.

Benjamin Hayford was charged with bank fraud and four counts of making false statements to a financial institution. The Government alleged that Mr. Hayford submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $8 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mr. Hayford pleaded guilty to all the counts. He was sentenced to 24 months in prison.

May 2020

Joseph Cherry was charged with wire fraud, theft of government property, making false statements to influence the SBA, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Cherry submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained $190,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Newport News, Virginia. Mr. Cherry pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of theft of government property. He was sentenced to 51 months in prison.

William Sadleir was charged in two cases—he was charged with wire fraud, making false statements to a bank, bank fraud, and money laundering in the Central District of California on July 17, 2020. On June 23, 2020, he was charged with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in the Southern District of New York. The Government alleged that Mr. Sadleir, a film executive, submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $1.7 million in COVID-19 relief funds. In the New York case, Mr. Sadleir pleaded guilty on January 19, 2022. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 10, 2022. The California case is currently scheduled for trial on March 8, 2022.

Maurice Fayne was charged with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, false statements on a loan application, money laundering, and identity fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Fayne used his trucking business to fraudulently induce individuals to invest in his company and that he also submitted a fraudulent loan application seeking $3.7 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. On May 11, 2021, Mr. Fayne pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, and making false statements on a loan application. On September 15, 2021, Mr. Fayne was sentenced to 210 months in prison.

David Staveley and David Butziger were charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to make false statement to the SBA, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and bank fraud. Mr. Staveley has also been charged separately with aggravated identity theft and failing to appear in court when required. The Government alleged that the two businessmen submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $500,000. The case was brought in Providence, Rhode Island. On September 18, 2020, Mr. Butziger pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. His sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2021. On May 17, 2021, Mr. Staveley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and failure to appear in court. On October 7, 2021, Mr. Staveley was sentenced to 44 months for the bank fraud offense and 12 additional months for his failure to appear, run consecutively for a total of 56 months.