MPD Officer, Accountant Plead Guilty to COVID Loan Fraud

Owen M. Grigsby, 44, a patrol officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Himmeh Kuawogai, 46, an accountant and owner of HAK Accounting Services, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with filing false and misleading information to fraudulently obtain over $95,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

Grigsby, who is currently on administrative leave with pay, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a potential penalty of five years in prison. The Honorable Randolph D. Moss presided over the guilty pleas and scheduled sentencing for September 10, 2024.

According to court documents, Kuawogai helped Grigsby establish Owen Grigsby Associates (OAG) in Maryland in July 2020. Although Grigsby was required to report any outside business venture to MPD pursuant to MPD policies, Grigsby failed to do so. OGA allegedly had no legitimate purpose and was created only to obtain EIDL and PPP loans.

Grigsby filed multiple loan applications containing materially false statements, including an EIDL application for $53,600 and two PPP loan applications totaling $41,666. Kuawogai assisted Grigsby by providing him with amended and fake documents and explaining the loan application process to him via messaging applications, the phone, and email.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the Metropolitan Police Department, Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Rebecca G. Ross.

The guilty pleas mark a significant blow to those involved in the COVID loan fraud scheme. The case highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting public funds and the consequences of attempting to defraud the system.

The U.S. Department of Justice will continue to investigate and prosecute those who attempt to take advantage of public programs for personal gain.