⏱ 3 min read
In a brazen scheme, former Jacksonville church pastor Marcus Eichelberger, 46, allegedly swindled two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA), netting a cool $50,000. Between March 2021 and February 2022, Eichelberger directed a co-conspirator to submit fake applications for the loans, claiming the funds would be used to maintain payroll and pay expenses for a legitimate business. But the truth was far from it.
According to the indictment, Eichelberger and his accomplice retained the loan proceeds for their own personal use, rather than using them for the intended purpose. To add insult to injury, they even applied for forgiveness of the loans, further perpetuating the scam. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to holding accountable those who exploit federal benefits programs through fraud and deception.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the indictment, emphasizing the importance of protecting the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs. Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the VA Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office praised the joint effort between law enforcement agencies to uncover and prevent such schemes.
If convicted, Eichelberger faces up to 20 years in federal prison per count, adding up to a whopping 80 years behind bars. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and the consequences of exploiting federal programs for personal gain.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: White Collar Crime
- Defendant: Florida
- Location: US
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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