East Texas PPP & Fraud Ring: 23 Face Federal Charges

SHERMAN, TX – Twenty-three individuals are facing federal charges in connection to a sprawling money laundering conspiracy allegedly fueled by a variety of fraud schemes, including those exploiting the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston announced the indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on January 17, 2023, this week, sending a clear message that the Grimy Times will continue to expose fraud in the Lone Star State.

The indictment details a complex scheme where the defendants allegedly worked to conceal the origins of illicit funds, estimated at over $3.5 million. Sources of the money reportedly include business email compromise, romance scams, unemployment insurance fraud, and, crucially, fraudulent applications for Payroll Protection Program loans. The feds say the conspirators systematically opened bank accounts under assumed business names, then moved the ill-gotten gains to obscure their tracks and fund their lifestyles.

Those named in the indictment include: KENDRICK LAVELL COLLINS, 42, of Aubrey; LETISHA ANN STOVER, 41, of Richardson; SPENCER LEONARD LEIGH, 35, of Everman; DANUIELLE FOWLER EDNEY, 51, of Plano; DIAMOND PLASHETTE EDWARDS, 24, of Grand Prairie; TABITHA LASHAWN DEBERRY, 34, of Dallas; AMOS WILSON, 56, of Dallas; ANDREW DEMARCUS PENNY, 45, of Dallas; DEMETRICS DEVON BLACK, 31, of Dallas; JARRICK OTISHEY BUCKHANAN, 43, of Dallas; JERICA JAREESE MATTHEWS, 31, of Anna; JOHN GANTT, 35, of Dallas; LEMAR MASHAWN COHEN, a/k/a LEMAR MARSHAWN COHEN, 36, of Dallas; CHIBUIKE SAMUEL IWUH, 30, of The Colony; CYNTHIA MECHELLE WILSON, 55, of Dallas; DONTRELL LAMON AMIE, 42, of North Richland Hills; ERIC JASON VAUGHAN, 49, of Arlington; JEREMIAH LEE GANTT, 28, of Dallas; JOSHUA MATTHEW BAHAM, 27, of Anna; LESLEY ODELL BROWN, 32, of Carrollton; MICHAEL ANDRE STUDAWAY, 26, of Dallas; TAMARA DAWN THOMAS, 41, of Dallas; and TIMOTHY DWAYNE HOSTON, 44, of Carrollton.

All 23 defendants have appeared before a federal magistrate judge this week. If convicted on the money laundering conspiracy charge, each faces a hefty sentence – up to 20 years in federal prison. This isn’t just about stolen money; it’s about a calculated effort to undermine the integrity of programs designed to help those in need, and to profit from the vulnerability of others.

The investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Frisco Resident Agency, with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Eastern District of Texas. While the indictment marks a significant step, it’s crucial to remember that it represents accusations, not proof. Each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case closely, bringing you updates as they develop. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen PPP funds abused, and it likely won’t be the last. The sheer scope of this alleged conspiracy demonstrates the lengths to which some will go to exploit the system for personal gain. Expect more federal crackdowns as investigators untangle the web of fraud across the country.

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