COLUMBIA, S.C. – Michael Eugene Bowers, a 51-year-old man from Columbia, has pleaded guilty to committing COVID-19 benefits fraud, netting him a hefty $480,900 in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the Small Business Administration (SBA) that he spent on personal expenses.
Bowers electronically submitted an EIDL application on an unknown date and received the funds on December 20, 2021. The money was wired into a bank account that he controlled, where it was used for a Suzuki motorcycle and paying off his BMW automobile. The questionable transactions were uncovered through an investigation by the United States Secret Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Winston Holliday and Scott Matthews are prosecuting the case, which has sparked outrage over the blatant misuse of COVID-19 relief funds. The Department of Justice has established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to combat pandemic-related fraud and prevent future abuses.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the 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 Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud.
Bowers faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervised release. United States Senior District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Bowers after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case is a stark reminder of the gravity of pandemic-related fraud and the importance of vigilant oversight. The Department of Justice urges anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 to report it using the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s Web Complaint Form.
As the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of the pandemic, the Grimy Times remains committed to exposing the truth behind COVID-19 relief fund abuses and holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.
Related Federal Cases
- Columbia Restaurateur Caught Stashing Heat · South Carolina
- Columbia Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun Possession · South Carolina
- Columbia’s Brown and Nine Others Hit with 42-Count Indictment · South Carolina
- Meth & Metal: Columbia Man Joshua Sharpe Admits Gun, Drug Crimes · South Carolina
- David Michael Gibson Sentenced in Columbia Counterfeiting Ring · South Carolina
Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
