WASHINGTON — The grim tale of Lori Isabell Morgan, 35, from Greenbelt, Maryland, unfolds like a crime novel. She faces severe charges after being accused of swindling nearly $150,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds meant to alleviate the economic hardship imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI have levied six counts of wire fraud against Morgan. According to law enforcement officials, including U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott, and Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite from the SBA Inspector General, Morgan brazenly concocted a false narrative. She falsely claimed ownership of a 100% stake in an ‘agriculture’ business based out of her Washington D.C. apartment, employing ten people and boasting $7.5 million in gross revenues for 2019. The court documents reveal no such enterprise existed.
Morgan’s deceitful act resulted in the SBA depositing $149,900 into her account on July 8, 2020. It was later uncovered that she used these funds to settle personal debts, cover auto repairs, restaurant bills, shopping sprees, and lavish trips to Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Her account balance dropped alarmingly to just $829 by the end of the year.
The CARES Act, a federal law enacted in response to the pandemic, aimed to provide emergency relief through programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The EIDL program, administered by the SBA, was designed to support small businesses suffering economic injury due to declared disasters. Yet, Morgan’s alleged actions turned this noble cause into a personal profit.
The FBI Washington Field Office conducted the investigation leading to this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Macey is handling the prosecution. As a criminal indictment is merely an allegation, Morgan is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
This sordid story serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some will go to exploit the system and the public’s compassion during times of crisis.
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Related Federal Cases
- ‘Agriculture’ Business Owner Swiped $150,000 in COVID-Relief Funds, Feds Say · Maryland
- Chapajong Accused of $461K Medicaid Fraud · Maryland
- Financial Advisor Jagveer Singh Pleads Guilty to Securities Fraud · Maryland
- Maxime Maiga Sentenced for $400,000 Wire Fraud · Maryland
- Alexander Sivels, Christopher Kwegan Jailed in Baltimore Mortgage Fraud · Maryland
Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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