In a brazen scheme, Long Island woman Donna Ingram allegedly swindled $3.28 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans meant to help small businesses struggling during the pandemic.
According to federal authorities, Ingram submitted fraudulent applications for PPP loans, claiming she and others needed the funds to pay employees. However, in reality, she was lining her own pockets.
“As alleged, the defendant made a business out of defrauding the government by falsely claiming she and others needed government loan benefits to pay their employees during the pandemic,” said United States Attorney Breon Peace. “This money was meant to help businesses weather the pandemic. In reality, the defendant was lining her own pockets.”
HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo stated, “Donna Ingram is accused of spearheading a scheme that defrauded the United States government of over $3.2 million in relief funds meant for the well-meaning public during a time when their lives were in unparalleled crisis.”
The indictment charges Ingram with wire fraud, disaster relief fraud, and theft of public funds. If convicted, she faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.
Ingram was arrested today and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Secret Service, Office of the Inspector General of the SBA, New York City Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to root out PPP loan scammers and bring them to justice.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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