Michael Eugene Bowers, COVID Benefits Fraud, South Carolina 2021

Related Federal Cases

Michael Mark McAdams, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Myrtle Beach… · South Carolina
David Michael Gibson Sentenced in Columbia Counterfeiting Ring · Texas
Jonathan Wade Sumter, PPP Loan Fraud, Greenville SC, 2022 · South Carolina
Nancy Marie Stein Sentenced for Bank Fraud and Environmental Crime,… · Texas
Helen Jean Anderson, Tax Refund Fraud, SC, 2023 · South Carolina

Table of Contents

Columbia Man Caught Using COVID Funds for Personal Expenses, Faces 20 Years

COLUMBIA, S.C. – In a shocking turn of events, Michael Eugene Bowers, 51, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to fraud related to COVID benefits. The evidence obtained during the investigation revealed that Bowers electronically submitted an Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) application through the Small Business Administration (SBA) and received $480,900 on Dec. 20, 2021.

But what makes this case even more egregious is that Bowers used the funds for personal expenses, such as purchasing a Suzuki motorcycle and paying off his BMW automobile. The investigation revealed that the $480,900 was wired into a bank account that he had control of, allowing him to use the funds as he saw fit.

The maximum penalty for Bowers’ crime is 20 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States Senior District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Bowers after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

Attorney General Merrick Garland established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force in May 2021 to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force has been instrumental in investigating and prosecuting those who have taken advantage of the pandemic to commit crimes.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by using the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s Web Complaint Form. The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Winston Holliday and Scott Matthews prosecuting the case.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a trying time for many, but it has also presented opportunities for those looking to take advantage of the situation. The COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force is working hard to ensure that those who have committed crimes during this time are held accountable.

Bowers’ guilty plea is a reminder that the justice system is working to protect the public from those who would seek to take advantage of them. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities, and the National Center for Disaster Fraud is available to take complaints.