COVID-19 RELIEF SCAMMER SENTENCED TO 3 YEARS PROBATION
Omaha man, Jackie Harper, 51, has been sentenced to three years' probation and ordered to pay $154,247.06 in restitution for his role in a COVID-19 relief program fraud scheme. Harper was sentenced on May 8, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska.
According to the U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr, Harper submitted false applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program loans. The applications misrepresented how much Harper's business had paid employees in past compensation and how much revenue Harper's business had received, resulting in applications for significantly inflated loan amounts under the PPP and EIDL programs.
The PPP applications were supported by false tax documents. Harper received loans and grants totaling approximately $145,300. The scheme was uncovered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General.
Harper's actions are a stark reminder of the importance of combating pandemic-related fraud. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in fraudulent activities, with many individuals taking advantage of relief programs designed to help those in need.
The Department of Justice has taken steps to combat pandemic-related fraud, including the establishment of the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The Task Force aims to enhance efforts to investigate and prosecute domestic and international criminal actors, as well as assist agencies tasked with administering relief programs.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice's National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General. Harper was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in fraudulent activities, with many individuals taking advantage of relief programs. It is essential that individuals are aware of the signs of pandemic-related fraud and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
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Key Facts
- State: Nebraska
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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