Michigan Man Nabbed in $3M COVID Loan Scam

DETROIT – Jabari Kadar Long, 45, of Beverly Hills, Michigan, is facing serious federal charges after allegedly masterminding a scheme to steal over $3 million in coronavirus relief funds. An indictment unsealed today accuses Long of defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through fraudulent applications to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).

The feds say Long conspired with others to submit bogus applications for businesses that didn’t qualify for the loans. According to the indictment, Long personally raked in $2,187,000 through a company called “Priceless Preservations Construction.” He claimed the company had 50 employees and a monthly payroll of a hefty $875,000. The reality, investigators allege, was far different – Priceless Preservations had few, if any, actual employees and virtually no payroll expenses.

Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. announced the charges, emphasizing the scale of the alleged fraud. He was joined by Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations-Detroit, and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Detroit Field Office. The trio made it clear this isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about stolen funds that were meant to help legitimate businesses survive the pandemic.

Long is now formally charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud affecting a financial institution, and one count of money laundering. The indictment paints a picture of calculated deception, leveraging a national crisis for personal gain. The total amount of fraudulently obtained funds exceeds $3 million, a significant blow to a program designed to provide a lifeline to struggling Americans.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not a conviction. Long is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and the government bears the burden of proof. Assistant United States Attorney Sara D. Woodward is leading the prosecution, determined to see justice served. The investigation is being handled by Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service, agencies known for their relentless pursuit of financial crimes.

This case serves as a stark reminder that those who attempt to exploit government programs for personal enrichment will be held accountable. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case closely and report on any developments as they unfold. The feds are sending a message: stealing from relief programs won’t be tolerated, and those caught will face the full force of the law.

RELATED: Dayton Man Stashed 11 Kilos of Deadly Drugs

RELATED: Live Nation Faces Lone Fight: NY AG Rejects DOJ Deal