⏱ 2 min read
Wellington Brown, a 53-year-old New Orleans businessman, has been charged with providing a false statement to the Small Business Administration to obtain a COVID-19 relief loan. The alleged scam occurred in New Orleans, where Brown submitted a fraudulent application to get a government-sponsored loan designed to help small business owners during the pandemic. The charge was filed on March 31, 2026. Brown’s motive appears to be financial gain, as he sought to take advantage of the relief funds meant for struggling businesses.
The charge against Brown carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000, as well as up to three years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II, of the Financial Crimes Unit.
The investigation was conducted by the Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office praising their work in uncovering the alleged fraud. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat COVID-19 relief scams and protect the integrity of government programs.
The Department of Justice encourages anyone with information about COVID-19-related fraud to report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form. As the case against Brown moves forward, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of attempting to exploit government programs for personal gain.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Louisiana
- Location: LA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
