⏱ 2 min read
A mother and her two sons from Lorain County, Ohio, have been charged with conspiring to defraud the IRS and pandemic-era programs of more than $5 million. Junera Holt Sr., 55, and her sons, Divante Holt, 32, and Richard Henry, 35, allegedly orchestrated two conspiracies to submit fraudulent applications and claims between 2019 and 2024. The family used identity theft, shell entities, and numerous misstatements to seek government funds in Cleveland, Ohio.
The tax fraud conspiracy allegedly involved filing numerous false claims with the IRS, claiming approximately $1,533,395. The family also engaged in a wide-ranging conspiracy to obtain COVID-19 pandemic stimulus funds, primarily unemployment insurance benefits, totaling around $3,273,455.
In addition to the tax and pandemic-related fraud, the defendants submitted fraudulent loan applications seeking at least $337,645 in U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for purported small businesses in 2021. The family faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns.
The indictment outlines a complex scheme involving multiple types of fraud, including bank fraud, mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The family’s alleged actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and a desire to exploit government programs for personal gain.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Ohio
- Location: OH
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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