David Dodge, Bank Fraud, New Hampshire 2024

A Derry man has pleaded guilty to attempting to fraudulently obtain approximately $2.5 million in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds, according to federal authorities.

David Dodge, 41, pleaded guilty to bank fraud in federal court in Concord, New Hampshire. His sentencing is scheduled for May 29, 2024.

Dodge, of Derry, submitted 30 fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), and pandemic relief grants. He claimed to own or control multiple businesses in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, but in reality, these companies had no operations and served no business purpose.

To commit the fraud, Dodge used the Social Security Number of a minor child to apply for and obtain an Employer Identification Number from the IRS for a fictional company called Consulting Services. He also provided fake supporting documents, including a doctored Limited Liability Company certificate and fraudulent tax documents.

As a result of the investigation, Dodge was able to obtain $219,323.34 out of the approximately $2.5 million he sought. He misused some of the funds to purchase jewelry.

The investigation was led by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided relief provisions to help Americans and small businesses affected by the pandemic. Dodge's scheme took advantage of these relief programs, which were designed to support businesses during a time of need.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/pr/derry-man-pleads-guilty-attempting-fraudulently-obtain-approximately-25-million-covid-19