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.

We update this list weekly with any new cases filed and/or key developments in cases already pending. Please let us know if there is any other case we need to watch.

June 2022

Ava Misseldine was charged with passport fraud, social security number fraud, aggravated identity theft and fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits. The Government alleged Ms. Misseldine stole the identity of a deceased infant who passed in 1979 and used that identity to obtain a passport, gain admission into a university, and submit fraudulent loan applications to obtain approximately $1.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Ms. Misseldine also allegedly used the funds to purchase a home in Utah and Michigan, totaling almost $1 million for both homes. Ms. Misseldine has not been indicted at this time and the case is currently pending.

Frank Hamilton, Michael Jones, Peter An, Edwin Bonilla, Tina Chen, Joseph Greco, Timothy Park, and Kenny Tran were charged with wire fraud conspiracy. The Government alleged that the defendants conspired together to submit fraudulent loan applications and obtained over $7 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and it is currently pending.

Vinicius Santana was charged with one count of wire fraud. The Government alleged that Santana submitted a fraudulent loan application to obtain $2.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds. It is also alleged that Santana used the funds to purchase vehicles and invest in cryptocurrency.  This case was brought in Boston, Massachusetts. The case is currently pending.

Levelle Harris was charged with 14 counts of wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Harris applied for 14 fraudulent loans and received over $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Ocala, Florida and his trial is currently scheduled for August 1, 2022.

Jabari Ogbonna Edwards and Antwann Richardson were charged with attempt and conspiracy to commit mail fraud, fraud by wire, radio or television, statements or entries generally and money laundering. The Government alleged Edwards and Richardson submitted fraudulent loan applications obtaining over $2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. This case was brought in Aberdeen, Mississippi. Edwards and Richardson pleaded not guilty on June 22, 2022, and their trial date is scheduled for November 14, 2022.

Jason Carter was charged with one count of wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Carter, a police officer in Coral Springs, submitted a fraudulent loan application seeking almost $300,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The Government also alleged that Mr. Carter spent more than $21,000 of the loan funds at a car company for repairs and detailing. The case was brought in West Palm Beach, Florida and his trial is currently scheduled for August 1, 2022.

Bernard Okojie was charged with conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. The Government alleged that Mr. Okojie submitted at least 8 fraudulent loan applications for companies that did not exist seeking millions in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Savannah, Georgia and it is currently pending.

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.

Alfred Nevis was charged with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering. The Government alleged that Nevis, a real estate developer from California, submitted at least 12 fraudulent loan applications and obtained over $1.5 million in COVID-10 relief funds. This case was brought in Portland, Oregon. Nevis pleaded not guilty on May 26, 2022, and the case is currently pending.

Michael Defrees was charged with two counts of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Defrees submitted multiple loan applications at two different banks seeking $1.7 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in in Portland, Oregon 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. Mr. Smith pleaded guilty on July 8, 2022, and his sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 21, 2022.

Debra Hackstadt was charged with wire fraud. The Government alleged that Hackstadt submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained over $250,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. This case was brought in Albany, New York. Hackstadt pleaded guilty on May 19, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, 2022.

Christopher Mazzei and Erin Mazzei were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to launder money and money laundering. The Government alleged that Christopher and Erin Mazzei submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained over $1.3 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Honolulu, Hawaii. Both Christopher and Erin Mazzei pleaded not guilty and are scheduled for trial on August 9, 2022.

Nicholas Jones was charged with wire fraud and falsification of records. The Government alleged Jones submitted fraudulent loan applications obtaining over $85,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. This case was brought in Boise, Idaho. Jones pleaded guilty on June 1, 2022 and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 27, 2022.

April 2022

Moe Ayemen Mathews was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. The Government alleged that Mathews submitted 38 fraudulent loan applications obtaining over $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. This case was brought in Richmond, Virginia. Matthews pleaded guilty on May 27, 2022, and is scheduled for sentencing on October 7, 2022.

Aaron Ashcraft was charged with several counts of wire fraud and bank fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Ashcraft submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $1.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds and received approximately $920,000. Mr. Ashcraft pleaded guilty on May 9, 2022, to one count of wire fraud and one count of bank fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 17, 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 pleaded guilty on June 27, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 27, 2022.

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 October 4, 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 guilty, and his sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 21, 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. This case was brought in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mr. Santemore’s pleaded guilty on April 27, 2022, and was sentenced on July 25, 2022 but the terms of his sentence are under seal.

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 was sentenced to 3 years of probation on July 21, 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. Bernadin pleaded guilty on June 22, 2022 and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 28, 2022.

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. Mr. Mancieri has a change of hearing plea scheduled for August 15, 2022.

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 September 2, 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 and is pending.

Fouzi Darakhshan was charged with conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, and several counts of false statements on loan applications. The Government alleged that Darakhshan conspired with other individuals to file fraudulent loan applications and obtained over $1.3 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Alexandria, Virginia. Fouzi Darakhshan pleaded guilty on May 31, 2022 and is scheduled to be sentenced September 16, 2022.

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. The defendants have pleaded not guilty, and the case is 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. Mr. Bernardo pleaded guilty on June 14, 2022, and his sentencing date is to be determined. Ms. Knox pleaded guilty on July 12, 2022, and her sentencing hearing is to be determined. The other defendants have pleaded not guilty, and their trial is scheduled for September 15, 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 the pandemic. This case was brought in Albany, New York. Ms. Johnson pleaded guilty on February 16, 2022, and she is scheduled to be sentenced on September 15, 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, Louisiana. Ms. Hart pleaded guilty on April 6, 2022, and was sentenced on July 13, 2022 but the terms of her sentence are under seal.

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. Mr. Schamper’s is scheduled for trial on September 26, 2022.

Wahid Mohamed Makki was charged with wire fraud and money laundering. The Government alleged that Makki filed ten fraudulent loan applications seeking over $1.08 million in COVID-19 relief funds and transferred the funds to purchase a condo in Lebanon. The case was brought in Detroit, Michigan and is currently pending.

January 2022

Johnny Ho was charged with attempt and conspiracy to commit fraud, fraud by wire, radio or television and engaging in monetary transactions. The Government alleged that Mr. Ho and other individuals submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained over $2.4 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Ho was found guilty on all charges. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 27, 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 pleaded guilty on June 22, 2022 and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 20, 2022.

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. Mr. Brown was sentenced to time served on April 26, 2022.

December 2021

Scott Davis was charged with wire fraud and engaging in a monetary transaction with criminally derived property. The Government alleged that Mr. Davis submitted fraudulent loan applications for business entities Skilled Trade Investments, LP, Skilled Trade Staffing, LLC and Skilled Trade Investments GP, LLC obtaining approximately $3,346,813.00 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Houston, Texas. Mr. Davis pleaded guilty on May 26, 2022, and is scheduled for sentencing on August 19, 2022.

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. On June 23, 2022, she was sentenced to 3 years of probation with the first 6 months to be served on home confinement.

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 September 12, 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 pleaded guilty on June 6, 2022 and is scheduled for sentencing on September 9, 2022.

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 pleaded not guilty, and his trial is scheduled for January 24, 2023.

Malik Mitchum and Jenna 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 pleaded guilty on December 13, 2021, and is scheduled for a pre-sentence conference on August 30, 2022.

Andre McBreairty was charged with false statements. The Government alleged that Mr. McBreairty inflated his payroll to obtain 3 separate loans and misused over $55,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Concord, New Hampshire. Mr. McBreairty pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 2 years of probation, with the first 6 months to be served on home confinement.

November 2021

Amir Aqeel, Siddiq Azeemuddin, Rifat Bajwa, Pardeep Basra, Mayer Misak, Mauricio Navia, Richard Reuth, and Raheel 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 August 8, 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 August 8, 2022. On November 9, 2021, Mr. Reuth pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and he is scheduled for sentencing on December 12, 2022. The other defendants are scheduled for trial on September 20, 2022.

Phillip Augustin was charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, attempt and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud and obstruction of justice. The Government alleged that Mr. Augustin submitted fraudulent loan applications for his company Clear Vision Music Group LLC obtaining more than $24 million dollars in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Augustin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on December 27, 2021. On May 6, 2022, Mr. Augustin was sentenced to 78 months in prison.

October 2021

Jacob Carter, Quadri Salahuddin, Anwar Salahuddin, and Christal 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 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 and no trial date has been scheduled at this time.

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. Mr. Knight has pleaded guilty on March 25, 2022, and his sentencing date is to be determined.

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 an information on October 19, 2021, and he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud on October 28, 2021. His sentencing hearing was held on March 4, 2022. On March 9, 2022, he was sentenced to 36 months in prison.

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 trial is currently scheduled for December 19, 2022.

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 pleaded 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 October 12, 2022.

September 2021

Anuli Okeke was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. The Government alleged that Ms. Okeke, a former bank employee, conspired with another employee to fraudulently obtain over $3 million in COVID-19 relief funds by helping borrowers fill out false loan applications. The case was brought in Brooklyn, New York. Ms. Okeke has pleaded not guilty, and her case is pending.

Hashim Campbell was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. The Government alleged that Campbell through Expert Tax Services, and Apex Accounting & Tax Inc., submitted fraudulent loan applications obtaining approximately $100,000 in commission in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Brooklyn, New York. Campbell pleaded guilty on September 23, 2021, and his sentencing date has not been scheduled at this time.

Tiyari Collins and Farah 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 Ms. Collins submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking approximately $1.9 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The Government also alleged that Mr. Collins 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. On July 11, 2022, Mr. Collins was sentenced to 63 months in prison and Ms. Collins was sentenced to 30 days in prison.

Gurgen Israyelyan was charged with 3 counts of theft of government property. The Government alleged that Israyelyan admitted to owning a hospice agency that was never operating during the COVID-19 pandemic and received over $89,000 in COVID-19 relief funds to treat patients. The Government also alleged that Israyelyan used the funds for his own personal use and transferred the proceeds to his family members. Mr. Israyelyan pleaded guilty on March 18, 2022, and his sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for September 19, 2022.

August 2021

Teldrin Foster was charged with multiple counts of wire fraud, bank fraud, and attempt and conspiracy to commit fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Foster submitted fraudulent loan applications through Bellator Phront Group Inc., Impact Creations LLC, Gaines Reservation and travel, Transportation Management Service Inc., Lee Operations LLC, RK Painting Co., D Parker Holdings Inc., Continuing Success Inc., All Star Room & Board Services of Michigan Inc., Infinite Education Services Inc., ML Exotic Customs Inc., Bellevie Corp, Advertising and Then Some Inc., and Mickies Auto and Tires LLC obtained approximately $11.1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case is brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Foster pleaded not guilty on August 13, 2021, and his case is pending.

Christopher Licata was charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United Sates, and several other charges. The Government alleged that Mr. Licata, owner of Boca Toxicology LLC, bundled COVID-19 tests with more expensive and unnecessary testing. They also alleged that he submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $6.9 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in West Palm Beach, Florida. Mr. Licata pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud on January 13, 2022. He was sentenced to 78 months in prison on March 30, 2022.

Elias Eldabbagh was charged with wire fraud, monetary transaction of criminally derived property, aggravated identity theft, and destruction or removal of property to prevent seizure. The Government alleged Eldabbagh submitted fraudulent loan application obtaining approximately $2,400,000.00 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Washington, DC. Eldabbagh pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on August 25, 2022.

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

Ana Soto was charged with several counts of wire fraud, false statements on loan applications, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Soto submitted 17 fraudulent loan applications and obtained approximately $246,000 in COVID-19 reliefs funds. The case was brought in Wilmington, Delaware. Soto pleaded guilty on February 24, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 3, 2022.

Brandon Fitzgerald-Holley was charged with wire fraud and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Fitzgerald-Holley submitted fraudulent loan applications and obtained approximately $305,854.00 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Greenbelt, Maryland. Mr. Fitzgerald-Holley pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 6 months in prison on April 21, 2022.

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 August 16, 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 pleaded guilty on June 30, 2022, to two counts of wire fraud and is scheduled for sentencing on November 3, 2022.

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 was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison on March 23, 2022, and Mr. McLeod’s was sentenced to 30 months in prison on June 7, 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. On March 25, 2022, Mr. Benlevi was found guilty on all counts at trial. He was sentenced to 135 months in prison on July 19, 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 September 2, 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. Ms. Porch pleaded guilty on November 30, 2021, and Mr. Porch pleaded guilty on January 4, 2022. Both defendants were sentenced to 21 months in prison in June 2022.

May 2021

Adam Arena was charged with attempt and conspiracy to a commit mail fraud and engaging in monetary transactions. The Government alleged that Mr. Arena submitted fraudulent loan application for ADA Auto Group LLC obtaining approximately $954,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Buffalo, New York. Mr. Arena pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 months in prison on June 8, 2022.

Rowlando Hatter, Jr. and Clyde Anthony Parker, Jr, were charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. The Government alleged that Hatter submitted fraudulent unemployment insurance applications obtaining approximately $3 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Both Hatter and Parker have pleaded not guilty and their case is pending.

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, and trial is scheduled for December 6, 2022.

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. On February 24, 2022, Mr. Bearden was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison.

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 was sentenced to 51 months in prison on June 7, 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 was sentenced to 4 years in prison on July 18, 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. On March 24, 2022, Ms. Cartwright-Powers was sentenced to 20 months in prison. 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 in prison 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 in prison.

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 $7.25 million in COVID-19 relief funds, which he then allegedly misappropriated on personal expenses. The case was brought in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Sissoko was convicted of four counts of wire fraud on April 15, 2022. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 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, and Eric 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

William Nicoloff, Jr. was charged with bank fraud and unlawful monetary transactions. The Government alleged that Nicoloff submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $1.5 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Mr. Nicoloff pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 months in prison on May 9, 2022.

Ioannis Kralievits was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. The Government alleged that Mr. Kralievits submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking approximately $767,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Miami, Florida. Mr. Kralievits pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 19 months in prison on June 30, 2021.

Jerrica Rosado was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States. The Government alleged that Rosado submitted fraudulent loan applications through Jai Rosado Consulting LLC obtaining approximately $50,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Rosado pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 37 months on December 3, 2021.

Yashica Bain was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Government alleged that Ms. Bain submitted fraudulent loan applications for her company Microblading Brow Studio obtaining approximately $17.6 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. Ms. Bain pled guilty and was sentenced to 24 months in prison on December 9, 202.

Shanrika Duhart was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States. The Government alleged that Ms. Duhart submitted fraudulent loan application for her company Hair She Goes, Inc, and obtained approximately $388,790.00 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. Ms. Duhart pled guilty and was sentenced to 3 years in prison on February 22, 2022.

Justin Etwaru was charged with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. The Government alleged that Mr. Etwaru submitted fraudulent loan applications to obtain approximately $57,750.00 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Miami, Florida. Mr. Etwaru pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 2 years’ probation on August 19, 2021.

Darius Hollis was charged with wire fraud. The Government alleged Mr. Hollis knowingly devised and participated in a scheme to defraud the State of Georgia, the Department of Labor, and the United States to obtain money. The case was brought in Valdosta, Georgia. Mr. Hollis has pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 months in prison on March 23, 2022.

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, and he is scheduled for sentencing on September 29, 2022. On December 14, 2021, Tranesha Quarterman pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 17 months in prison on May 12, 2022. Adarin Jones pleaded guilty on June 22, 2022, and is scheduled for sentencing on October 6, 2022. Nikia. Wakefield, Darryl Washington, Katie Quarterman and India Middleton have a change of hearing plea scheduled on August 4, 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 October 3, 2022.

Christopher Hayes was charged with making a false, fictitious, 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. He was sentenced to 24 months in prison on November 17, 2021.

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 over $285,000 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

See Wook Chung was charged with fraud by wire, radio, or television. The Government alleged that Chung submitted fraudulent loan applications in the name of Jang & Kim, Inc., Jones Loop Marathon, Inc., SJB Auto Parts Wholesale, Inc., Smile Cool tools HVAC, Inc, Berkeley import, LLC, H Café, Inc., One Dream, Inc. KO Wholesale, Inc., Shannon Chao, Inc., Alpha Construction & Management, Inc., JKK Artworkible, Inc., North Atlanta Construction & Enterprise, Inc., Jiwoo’s Beauty lounge, MJ Boom entertainment, AJM Remodeling, Inc., and HJJ Investment, Inc. to obtain COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Chung pleaded guilty on March 11, 2021, and was sentenced to 18 months in prison on March 1, 2022.

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 August 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 was sentenced to time served on May 19, 2022.

January 2021

Carlos Belone was charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and false statements to a financial institute. The Government alleged that Mr. Belone submitted fraudulent claims for reimbursement to Medicare through his companies R&S Pharmacy Inc, and R&S DME Service, LLC obtaining approximately $2,536,411.00 During the investigation it was revealed that Mr. Belone submitted fraudulent loan applications on behalf of R&S Pharmacy and obtained approximately $22,500.00 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Mr. Belone is pleaded guilty on May 25, 2022, and is scheduled for sentencing on October 4, 2022.

Samuel Yates was charged with fraud by wire, radio, or television. The Government alleged that Mr. Yates the sole proprietor of Lone Star Tuning submitted fraudulent loan applications obtaining approximately $5,700,000.00 in COVD-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Texarkana, Texas. Mr. Yates pleaded guilty on May 6, 2022, and sentencing has not been scheduled.

Jorge Abramovs was charged with bank fraud, false statement to a financial institution, and monetary transactions in criminally derived property. The Government alleged that Mr. Abramovs submitted fraudulent loan applications obtaining approximately $1,986,737.46 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Las Vega, Nevada. Mr. Abramovs has pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 22, 2022.

Christian Johnson was charged with fraud by wire, radio or television, and bank fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Johnson through his company Million Man LLC submitted fraudulent loan application to obtain over $2.6 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Buffalo, New York, and it is currently pending.

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 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 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 September 20, 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

Bryan Robinson was charged with wire fraud and engaging in transactions in unlawful proceeds. The Government alleged that Mr. Robinson submitted fraudulent loan applications through his corporation ATeam LV, LLC obtaining approximately $1,502,270.00 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr. Robinson pleaded not guilty on December 18, 2020, and his trial is scheduled for August 8, 2022.

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

Rocco Americo Malanga was charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Malanga submitted fraudulent loan applications obtaining nearly $2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Newark, New Jersey. Mr. Malanga pleaded guilty on June 28, 2022, and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2022.

Marvin Fitzgerald was charged with false statements. The Government alleged that Mr. Fitzgerald provided false statements about receiving loan for COVID-19 relief plans for New Beginning Family Service LLC. This case was brought in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Fitzgerald pled guilty and was sentenced to 2 years’ probation on June 3, 2021.

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. Raji was sentenced to 70 months in prison on Mary 20, 2022, and Lawal’s is scheduled to be sentenced on August 24, 2022.

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

Deon Petty was charged with one count to defraud the United States. The Government alleged that Mr. Petty submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking $155,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Petty pleaded guilty on November 10, 2020. On June 10, 2021, Mr. Petty was sentenced to serve 12 months and 1 day in prison.

Tarone La Dale Woods was charged with false statements. The Government alleged Woods submitted fraudulent loan applications obtaining approximately $92,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Woods pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 6 months in prison on July 15, 2021.

Diamond Blue Smith was charged with conspiracy to commit and offense against the United State, i.e., wire fraud. The Government alleged that Smith submitted fraudulent loan applications through her business obtaining approximately $426,000. The case was brought in Miami, Florida. Smith pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 months in prison on December 16, 2021.

Antonio Hosey was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States. The Government alleged that Mr. Hosey knowingly and willfully conspired to commit fraud against the United States regarding COVDI-19 relief funds. This case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Hosey pleaded guilty, and his sentencing date is to be determined.

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 in prison.

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 and was sentenced to 41 months in prison on 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 in prison.

Richard Ayvazyan, Marietta Terabelian, Artur Ayvazyan, Tamara Dadyan, Manuk Grigoryan, Arman Hayrapetyan, Edvard Paronyan, and Vahe 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

Steven Jalloul was charged with one count of engaging in monetary transactions using property derived from unlawful activity. The Government alleged that Jalloul, a tax consultant, submitted approximately 170 loan applications for over 160 of his clients seeking over $23 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The Government also alleged that Jalloul would charge the clients a 2-20% commission on the loans they received. The case was brought in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Jalloul pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 120 months in prison on April 21, 2022.

Jonathan Markovich was charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, money laundering, and several other related charges. The Government alleged that Mr. Markovich conspired to unlawfully bill for treatment services during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as filing fraudulent loan applications seeking over $500,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. After a 7-week trial, Mr. Markovich was convicted of all charges. On March 21, 2022, he was sentenced to 188 months in prison, and he filed a notice of appeal on March 29, 2022. His appeal is pending.

Timothy Williams was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States. The Government alleged that Mr. Williams an authorized representative of Bamigi Brand submitted fraudulent loan applications obtaining approximately $300,000.00 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Williams pleaded guilty on October 13, 2020, and his sentencing has not been scheduled.

Brian Criss was charged with fraud by wire, radio, or television and Bank fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Criss submitted fraudulent loan applications through Criss Solutions, LLC obtaining approximately $173,990.00 in COVID-19 relief funds. This case was brought in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mr. Criss pled guilty and was sentenced to 10 months in prison on November 1, 2021.

Lauren Duhart, Joshua Smith, Steve Lewis, Christopher Agard, Henry Duffield, Jeremy Latourneau and Derick Keane were charged with attempt and conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and money laundering. The Government alleged that the defendants submitted falsified loan applications obtaining approximately $396,875.00 in COVI-19 relief funds. This case was brought in Greenville, South Carolina. All defendants have pled guilty. On May 23, 2022 Mr. Duffield and Mr. Latourneau were sentenced to time served. Mr. Keane was sentenced to 27 months in prison on April 4, 2022. Ms. Durhart was sentenced to 96 months in prison on June 23, 2022. Mr. Lewis was sentenced to 22 months in prison on June 29, 2022. Mr. Lewis is scheduled for sentencing on July 27, 2022.

Larry D. Jordan and Sutukh El were charged with attempt and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. The Government alleged that the brothers submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking almost $7 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Buffalo, New York. Mr. Jordan and Mr. El have pleaded not guilty, and their cases are pending.

Martin Kao was charged with multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering. The Government alleged that Mr. Kao, a former Government Contractor, submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking approximately $10 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mr. Kao has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is currently scheduled for January 17, 2023.

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 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. Mr. Kasali was sentenced to 70 months in prison on April 7, 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 that has not been scheduled at this time.

August 2020

Mark Stewart was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States. The Government alleged Mr. Stewart submitted fraudulent loan application through The Infinity Group of SC, LLC to obtain approximately $300,000.00 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Stewart pleaded guilty on September 25, 2020, and his sentencing date is to be determined.

Roosevelt Roshelle Hunt was charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. The Government alleged Hunt submitted fraudulent loan applications obtaining approximately $396,875.00. This case was brought in Greenville, South Carolina. Hunt pleaded guilty on August 31, 2020 and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 21, 2022.

Matthew Welch was charged with wire fraud. The Government alleged that Mr. Welch submitted fraudulent loan application through Welch Sole Proprietorship to obtain approximately $35,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Billings, Montana. Mr. Welch pled guilty and was sentenced to 5 years of probation on June 15, 2021.

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 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 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.

Karen Chapon was charged with bank fraud, false statement to a financial institution, and unlawful monetary transaction. The Government alleged that Mr. Chapon submitted fraudulent loan applications through her corporate entities Heavenly Tahoe Properties, Desert Sun Events, and Tahoe Weddings and Events obtaining approximately $596,231.00 in COVID-19 relief funds. This case was brought in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ms. Chapon has pleaded not guilty, and her trial is scheduled for August 8, 2022.

Stanley Dorceus was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United Sates. The Government alleged that Mr. Dorceus owner of Elevate Horizons submitted fraudulent loan applications obtaining approximately $300,000 I COVI-19 relief funds. This case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Dorceus pleaded guilty, and the sentencing date is to be determined.

Chandra Norton was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit fraud. The Government alleged that Ms. Norton submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $7.7 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Norton pleaded guilty on November 12, 2020, and she is scheduled to be sentenced on November 10, 2022.

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. Vidal is scheduled for sentencing on July 19, 2022, George is scheduled for sentencing on August 16, 2022, Womble is scheduled for sentencing on August 23, 2022, and Sims is scheduled for sentencing on August 29, 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 pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 57 months on June 17, 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 October 17, 2022.

Damion McKenzie and Keyaira 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. On March 2, 2022, Mr. Gaughan pleaded guilty to wire fraud in one case and engaging in monetary transactions in the other case. He is scheduled for sentencing on September 2, 2022.

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

Phillip Augustin was charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, attempt and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud and obstruction of justice. The Government alleged that Mr. Augustin submitted fraudulent loan applications for his company Clear Vision Music Group LLC obtaining more than $24 million dollars in COVID-19 relief funds. This case was brought in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Augustin pleaded guilty was sentenced to 78 months in prison on May 6, 2022.

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 under seal.

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, 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. Mr. Charno was sentenced to 24 months in prison on May 23, 202. Ms. Williams was sentenced to time served with 6 months home confinement on May 25, 2022. Mr. Stote pleaded guilty on January 3, 2022 and was sentenced to 120 months in prison on May 6, 2022.

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

Deon Levy and Abdul-Azeem Levy were charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Government alleged that the father-son duo submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $550,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. Both defendants pleaded guilty on June 24, 2022. Deon is scheduled to be sentenced on October 5, 2022, and Abdul-Azeem is scheduled to be sentenced on October 7, 2022.

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 was sentenced to 48 months in prison.

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 guilty 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. On June 16, 2022, Mr. Buoi was sentenced to 39 months in prison. His case is now on appeal in the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

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

Shashank Shekhar Rai was charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, false statements to a financial institution, and false statements to small business administration. The Government alleged that Mr. Rai submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking over $10 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Beaumont, Texas. Mr. Rai pleaded guilty to one count of false statements to a financial institution on February 9, 2021. On June 17, 2021, Mr. Rai was sentenced to 24 months in prison.

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 and his sentencing hearing is to be determined. For the California case Mr. Sadleir pleaded guilty on March 16, 2022 and his sentencing date is scheduled for September 28, 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.

Baoke Zhang was charged with wire fraud. The Government alleged Zhang through Cloud Optimization, LLC submitted fraudulent loan applications obtaining approximately 41,525,000.00 in COVID-19 relief funds. The case was brought in Seattle, Washington. Zhang pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 60 days in prison on May 7, 2021.