Days and weeks after receiving the PPP funds, Thomas, Gaines, Green, and Benoit did not make payroll payments, contrary to their claims in the loan applications that they would.
Authorities charged Thomas, Gaines, Green, and Benoit with conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, false statements to a financial institution, and money laundering. Jackson has been charged with money laundering.
Nine individuals charged with $24 million COVID-relief fraud scheme
Separately, the Justice Department announced last week that a talent management company and eight others were charged for their involvement in a $24 million COVID-relief fraud scheme.
The defendants were identified as Damion Mckenzie, Andre Clark, Keyaira Bostic, Phillip Augustin, Wyleia Nashon Williams, James Stote, Ross Charno, Deon D. Levy, and Abdul-Azeem Levy.
McKenzie, Clark, Bostic, Augustin, Williams, Stote, and Charno were charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.
