ROANOKE, Va. – A federal grand jury in Roanoke has nailed 24 accused for a staggering $1.5M Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud scheme. The accused, including Jaimeka Mechelle Austin and Kiearra Desaray Gardner, are charged with wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The PPP, meant to aid small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, was exploited by these defendants, who allegedly secured loans without owning operational businesses. Some were even applying for unemployment benefits concurrently.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh slammed the scammers, “These fraudulent opportunists saw a chance in the crisis and sought to defraud American citizens.” The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation are collaborating on this case.
Austin and Gardner reportedly gathered personal information from friends and acquaintances with existing businesses to file fake PPP applications. They also created sham business entities for others who didn’t own a business, charging additional fees for their services.
Among the accused:
- Jaimeka Mechelle Austin, 31, of Mechelle’s Boutique LLC.
- Ta’Quan De’Carlos Austin, 34, of Quan’o’s Chimney Sweep LLC.
- Richard David Henson Brown, 35, of Immaculate Balla Cleaning Service LLC.
- Israel Antonio Cunningham, 36, of Tate’s Lawn Care & Services LLC.
This case highlights the desperate measures some take during economic turmoil. The accused now face justice for their fraudulent actions.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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