Maxine Michelle Burns, Bank Fraud, Missouri 2021

CAPE GIRARDEAU – A woman’s greed led to a guilty plea in a high-profile PPP loan case. Maxine Michelle Burns, 44, of Willow Springs in Howell County, Missouri, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution.

Burns admitted to applying for a $167,999 Payroll Protection Program loan from the Small Business Administration on Jan. 20, 2021 using the name of the owner of a residential treatment facility in Poplar Bluff without authorization, as well as the owner’s signature stamp. The loan was granted, and Burns admitted using the money to buy vehicles for herself and pay for vacations.

But that wasn’t all – Burns then applied to the SBA for forgiveness of the PPP loan, falsely claiming that the money had been used for payroll and other permissible purposes. Her application was granted and the loan was forgiven. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Willis is prosecuting the case, with the U.S. Secret Service leading the investigation.

The case against Burns is a stark reminder of the abuse of the PPP loan program during the coronavirus pandemic. While the program was intended to help small businesses keep employees on the payroll, some individuals saw an opportunity to make a quick buck.

Burns faces up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine or both, at her sentencing on September 28. She will also be ordered to repay the money, which she has already agreed to do. The total amount of the loan was $167,999.

This is a developing story and we will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, it’s a wake-up call for anyone who thinks they can get away with defrauding the government. Burns’ actions have consequences, and she will face the music for her crimes.

As we continue to investigate and report on this case, we urge anyone with information to come forward. If you have any tips or leads, please contact us at [insert contact information]. We are committed to holding those accountable who abuse the system and bring justice to the victims.

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