Novi Man Accused of $3.1M PPP Loan Scam

NOVI, MI – A Michigan man is facing federal wire fraud charges after allegedly orchestrating a $3.1 million scheme to steal funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Antonio George, 44, of Novi, Michigan, was arrested today, authorities announced, and is accused of submitting bogus applications on behalf of 19 different companies.

The scheme, according to a criminal complaint unsealed today in the Eastern District of Michigan, involved falsified documents detailing business operations and payroll expenses. Investigators allege that George submitted identical wage information and employee counts for multiple companies – including one that hadn’t been operational since 2015. This isn’t some victimless crime; it’s theft, plain and simple.

“Every dollar stolen from the program is a dollar stolen from struggling businesses in need,” fumed U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider. “So to the scammers, if you think law enforcement isn’t paying attention to the damage you’re doing to Michigan business owners, you’re dead wrong and we will be coming after you.” The feds are making it clear: exploiting a crisis for personal gain won’t be tolerated.

The Paycheck Protection Program, authorized under the CARES Act, was designed to provide emergency financial relief to businesses reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program authorized up to $349 billion in forgivable loans, with an additional $300 billion added in April 2020. George allegedly exploited this lifeline intended for legitimate businesses, diverting funds for his own benefit.

George made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge David R. Grand. He is currently charged with one count of wire fraud. The investigation was a joint effort between the FBI and the Small Business Administration’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Patrick J. Suter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John K. Neal of the Eastern District of Michigan.

Anyone with information regarding potential COVID-19 related fraud is urged to contact the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or submit a complaint online at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Remember, a criminal complaint is just an accusation, and Antonio George is presumed innocent until proven guilty. But the evidence suggests a calculated and brazen attempt to profit off a national emergency.

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