The $20,000 is now due back to the government, with some possible jail time as well if shes not lucky. For example, in the city of Gonzales, there were 70 people claiming to own a barbershop who applied for loans. From fabricating false companies to inaccurately representing the number of workers employed, PPP fraud in Louisiana is a serious abuse of federal relief funds that has contributed to . Former Louisiana Resident Indicted for Preparing Over 110 Fraudulent PPP Loan Applications Totaling Over $1.1 Million Dollars. Our firm is committed to providing aggressive legal representation to whistleblowers in Louisiana in order to maximize PPP loan fraud case compensation, while ensuring our clients are protected to the utmost extent of the law during the process. Some content may be sourced from press releases or public information/records. A total of 73,824 loans were distributed to Louisiana leading to a reported 799,664 jobs being retained. Those who suspect PPP fraud or may have been a victim of such fraud should contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at 866-720-5721. The Department of Justice (DOJ) says as of Aug. 8, more than 5.2 million forgivable loans have been approved, at a total of more than $525 billion. He is expected to be arraigned on . . NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANAUnited States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today the indictment ofSHARNAE EVERY(EVERY),age 27, of Houston, Texas, who was charged with one (1) count of Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349 and two (2) counts of Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. EVERYreceived these funds into her Current account, her Cash App account, or into her boyfriends Current account. Many people have lost their jobs indefinitely are are struggling to find new sources of income. The DOJ says falsified tax records were submitted and in some cases, stolen personal information was also used in these attempts to defraud the PPP. Lenders approved that amount for eight people, seven of whom got checks. The case againstEVERYbegan as a result of a referral from the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) regarding possible fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loans (PPP). 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. However, a check of public records for business licenses with the Secretary of State office revealed no active business licenses for those eight individuals. 1-14. CONTROL UNION USA INC is a Corporation located at SAINT ROSE, LA with 40 employees. Another woman is currently seeking help on GoFundMe for the same reason. The Act originally authorized up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Congress later authorized $321 billion in additional PPP funding. An area business owner finding herself listed as having a PPP loan, even though she hasn't received the money . Louisiana PPP loan fraud cases may be initiated by employees of banks who disperse PPP funds in Louisiana, employees of companies who have received CARES Act aid in Louisiana, or any other individual who has inside information on a PPP loan fraud case originating in Louisiana. PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) and Bank Fraud Enforcement Act and the COVID-19 EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) Fraud Statute of Limitations Act establish 10-year statutes of limitations. Prosecutors said the. (BRPROUD) The United States Department of Justice has indicted a 23-year-old woman for mail fraud and wire fraud on Friday, July 22. Advocates For Science And Mathematics Education, Inc. All Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation, Carbon and Graphite Product Manufacturing, Rubber and Plastics Hoses and Belting Manufacturing. As a result many are dipping into government funding they dont actually qualify for. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Onder Law Firm has represented clients throughout the United States in pharmaceutical and medical device litigation such as Pradaxa, Lexapro and Yasmin/Yaz, where the firm's attorneys held significant leadership roles in the litigation, as well as Actos, Truvada, Risperdal and others. PPP Detective All Loans (current) Loans By States; About Site; PPP Loans in Monroe, LA - Page 3. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. Gray also submitted claims for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) benefits in the names of false businesses and based on false business profits and losses. Filing a PPP loan fraud case against your Louisiana employer or another entity in Louisiana is an act of moral courage that can bring flagrant fraud and waste in check. Robert De Niro-backed Nobu restaurants took more than a dozen PPP loans worth as much as $28 million . EVERYprimarily used Cash App to receive the initial payments. Who in Louisiana got Paycheck Protection Program loans during the pandemic? My feeling is that despite the fraud, the program helped far, far, far more of my people than it hurt, said Kennedy. 10 Red Flags for PPP Loan Fraud (Look for These During Your Company's Internal PPP Compliance Investigation) . For more information on the Departments response to the pandemic, please visithttps://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. However, not everyone taking part in the federal program was looking to keep their business doors open. And these cases are just the beginning. The cases involve attempts to steal a total of more than $175 million from the program, with actual losses to the federal government totaling more than $70 million, the DOJ reports. Every single one of them produced and filed bogus and fraudulent PPP sole proprietor loan applications through numerous online portals, including but not limited to Blueacorn. "The PPP was developed to ease the pain of COVID-19 economic restraints on working Americans. The cases involve attempts to steal a total of more than $175 million from the program, with actual losses to the federal government totaling more than $70 million, the DOJ reports. The Onder Law Firm won $197 million in three talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits in St. Louis in 2016 and other law firms throughout the nation often seek its experience and expertise on complex litigation. Per the False Claims Act, the government is entitled to threefold damages in each successful PPP loan fraud case. Louisiana crime statistics. And I, I think we ought to prosecute every single one of them to the full extent of the law, said Kennedy. You know, is it something that they should have done? Our deep knowledge of this complex and highly sensitive practice area, alongside our stellar track record of major wins against some of the large corporations in the U.S., makes our firm uniquely qualified to represent career professionals stepping out to blow the whistle on Louisiana CARES Act loan fraud. Bank fraud So far, six. California Man Arrested for $3.6 Million PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud | OPA | Department of Justice Man Sentenced for His Role in COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme | OPA | Department of Justice Woman Arrested for Fake COVID-19 Immunization and Vaccination Card Scheme | OPA | Department of Justice All rights reserved. The case against EVERY began as a result of a referral from the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) regarding possible fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loans (PPP). The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and use at least a certain percentage of the loan towards payroll expenses., At time of Lakeisha has managed to raise $3500 back. In her caption she says I got 20k ppp loan now the feds after me plz help I cant do jail!! Shes accused of making up fake businesses to collect more than $20,000 through a PPP loan and another $500,000 in prepaid debit cards through unemployment claims. PPP Loan Fraud Information for Your City: PPP Loan Fraud Information for Your State: Who Can File a PPP Loan Fraud Case in Louisiana. 100 people have been arrested so far. Volunteers Of America Southeast Louisiana, Inc. Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings (except Miniwarehouses). We do not charge attorney fees unless you receive compensation and you are under no obligation after your initial consultation. Of more than the 2,200,000 total crimes committed between . The loan was facilitated by Capital One, National Association, MCLEAN, VA.Of the approved amount, CONTROL UNION USA INC has . The line is staffed 24/7. In February 2021, the New York Court of Appeals issued a long-awaited decision in Freedom Mortgage v.Engel, 37 N.Y.3d 1 (2021), which, among other things, held that the voluntary discontinuance of a foreclosure action constitutes an affirmative revocation of acceleration because such "discontinuance withdraws the complaint and, when the complaint is the only expression of demand for immediate . EVERY falsely certified that the applications and the information provided in the supporting documents were true and accurate when she electronically submitted the fraudulent PPP loan applications. Federal laws such as the Fair Claims Act and similar state laws provide . The couple was arrested for submitting fake tax returns to get a $500,000 line of credit on their house in . The Department of Justice says in Feb. 2021, Gray created a scheme to defraud a lender and the United States, through the Small Business Administration, by filing false applications for PPP funds. Acts reported in a PPP loan fraud case in Louisiana may constitute wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, and other false claims. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. To date, authorities have recovered approximately $1,195,784.98 of the stolen money., They also elaborated on how the loan works. If approved, the SBA pays the lender back using federal funds. All totaled, in that city of 43,000 people lenders approved $1.3 million dollars just for barbershop owners. The movie star joins several other high-profile people among 19 people accused in federal indictments of cheating the government out of millions in schemes that all originated in Georgia. OnderLaw, LLC - PPP Loan Fraud Whistleblower If convicted, Every risks a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, or twice the gross gain to the defendant, or twice the gross loss to any victim, and a $100.00 obligatory special assessment charge, per count. If the borrower can prove they used the money to pay employees and eligible expenses, they can ask the SBA for loan forgiveness. According to the Board of Barber Examiners, to legally run a barbershop, an owner must have a business license and a barber license if they are cutting hair even if that business is run out of a home. The FBI and United States Department of Labor are investigating the matter and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward Warner. For more information, visit www.OnderLaw.com or call 1-877-ONDER-LAW. In mid July, Lawson proposed adding applications for the PPP to the scheme, with a $6,000 fee for the $20,000 loan. Lakeisha Golden is currently asking for donations on GoFundMe to help pay back a paycheck protection program Loan (Or PPP Loan) that she took out to provide for her family. and has been seen on Forbes, CNBC and Fox Business. 104 Arrests. Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit, and Assistant United States Attorney Edward Rivera, COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator, are prosecuting this case. Federal investigators want you to speak up about PPP fraud, Federal investigators want you to speak up about PPP Fraud, Garret Graves says hes unsure about run for governor, Teen shot while walking to school (Full News Conference). For more information on the Department of Justices response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Floods are going to become more common, so its vital to learn how to prepare, no matter where you live. Many Louisiana entities obtained PPP loans and SBA funding--some of them fraudulently, by making false claims regarding PPP loan qualification or necessity. They were approved on 04-08-2020 by the SBA for an amount of 460100 USD. Rudolph Brooks, Jr., 45, was arrested earlier this month after allegedly faking tax returns and payroll forms to apply for the $1.5 million loan under the federal government's CARES act. Name Jobs Reported Current Loan Loan Forgiveness; Amount ($) Date Approved Amount ($) Date; SHELTON RESTAURANT GROUP LLC: 500: 4,746,176: April 9, 2020: 4,802,480 Peralta-Gutierrez was arrested last month, and a federal grand jury returned his indictment for wire fraud conspiracy Monday. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today the indictment of SHARNAE EVERY ("EVERY"), age 27, of Houston, Texas, who was charged with one (1) count of Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349 and two (2) counts of Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States [] Follow this link to report a typo or other issue. Investigations into Burton's bank account show only $616.52 of her loan was used on hair supplies. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. From Gorilla Glue Girl to the social media model trying to get home from All Star Weekend. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. 66 Arrests. Individuals in Louisiana who initiate PPP loan fraud claims are rewarded handsomely for helping to bring corporate fraud in check. 817-859-8549. Based on the data, between $706,982,622 and $1,377,632,622 have been loaned through the Payroll Protection Program to businesses in New Orleans, LA. Largest Database of Louisiana Mugshots. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today the indictment of SHARNAE EVERY (EVERY), age 27, of Houston, Texas, who was charged with one (1) count of Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349 and two (2) counts of Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. Two people were approved for that amount twice, and one of those people got paid twice. She's accused of making up fake businesses to collect more than $20,000 through a PPP loan and another $500,000 in prepaid debit cards through unemployment . The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) is in Baton Rouge and reports can be filed here. Secret Service said there are currently 900 active criminal investigations into pandemic fraud. New Orleans Military And Maritime Academy, Inc. Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction. The Department of Justice, and in particular my office here in the Middle District of Louisiana, is committed to investigating and prosecuting those who abuse the system for personal gain and will use every resource at our disposal to protect those federal dollars and the businesses they are intended to help. Some pages on this website may contain affiliate links, ads, promotions, or other types of links to other websites, businesses, or products. Search arrest records and find latests mugshots and bookings for Misdemeanors and Felonies. Fri. 1-13. EVERY advertised under various aliases on Facebook to recruit individuals to obtain money from the PPP program. EVERYprepared and submitted false and fraudulent PPP sole proprietor loan applications via various online portals including, but not limited, to Blueacorn. The office identified matched CHA program participants to those who received PPP loans and found 6,280 people (either heads of households or family members) had received them. You can search and filter the list of PPP loans. The case against EVERY began as a result of a referral from the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Accountability Committee ("PRAC") regarding possible fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loans ("PPP"). According to the SBA, lenders are responsible for vetting applications and making sure the applicant is telling the truth in whatever way they see fit. School Food And Nutrition Services Of New Orleans, Inc. Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities. BATON ROUGE, La. Stay up to date with the latest news by downloading the BRProud App from the App Store or Google Play. The lender got to keep a fee based on the size of the loan. EVERY received these funds into her Current account, her Cash App account, or into her boyfriends Current account. Follow this link for more information on the Department of Justices response to the pandemic. Nearly a dozen of those people took out two loans. EVERY then charged approximately $3,500.00 once the loans were funded. Constantly updated. She's accused of making up fake businesses to collect more than $20,000 through. The SBA has very broad rules, very, very large leeway on what the lender had to request from the bar to get that guarantee secure, said the SBA Louisiana District Director Michael Ricks. Federal investigators cannot comment on active investigations or give an estimate on how much fraud may have occurred through federal pandemic relief programs, but a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Middle District of Louisiana confirms there were fraudulent applications submitted in Louisiana through several relief programs including the PPP. . Using that public data, the 9 News Investigators took a close look at PPP loans given out in Louisiana. . The PPP offers billions of dollars in potentially forgivable loans to keep workers on the payroll, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). According to the United States Department of Justice official website, Six individuals were charged in an indictment with fraudulently obtaining approximately $1.5 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans on behalf of five businesses based in Georgia and South Carolina. 73 Arrests. This website is owned and operated by BKHagar, LLC. Heatmap of PPP Loans by Zip Code in Louisiana, Number of Loans Issued by Date in Louisiana, Summary of PPP Loans by County in Louisiana, Top 25 Cities in Louisiana by Number of PPP Loans. Mon, Dec 26, 2022 . We will represent all Louisiana persons involved in a PPP loan fraud claim on a contingency basis, meaning our lawyers never charge legal fees unless we win compensation in your case. Star Weekend please visit https: //www.justice.gov/coronavirus in check online portals including, but not limited to... An amount of 460100 USD louisiana ppp loan arrests can prove they used the money to pay employees and expenses... 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Laws provide time as well if shes not lucky Louisiana who initiate PPP loan fraud Claims rewarded! Performing Arts, Sports, and one of them to the pandemic in Monroe, -... They were approved for that amount for eight people, seven of whom got.! The same reason Edward Warner loan fraud ( NCDF ) is in Baton Rouge reports..., I think we ought to prosecute every single one of them to the government, with some jail... 20K PPP loan fraud Claims are rewarded handsomely for helping to bring corporate fraud in check:... Prepare, no matter where you live line of credit on their house in,. For loan forgiveness interest on mortgages, rent and utilities aliases on Facebook to recruit individuals to obtain from. There were fraudulent applications submitted in Louisiana, CNBC and Fox business and submitted and. And filter the list of PPP loans given out in Louisiana through several relief programs including the PPP.. 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