NC Couple Guilty of $2M Loan Fraud, COVID-19 Relief Scam

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Antoine Johnson, 48, and Kimberly Maddox, 43, from Huntersville, have pleaded guilty to massive bank loan and COVID-19 relief fraud, totaling nearly $2 million. The duo operated Pick Up and Go Moving International Inc. (PUGMI), where they deceitfully secured lines of credit and loans under false pretenses.

Johnson served as PUGMI’s president while Maddox held the vice presidency. Between 2018 and 2023, they falsified over 30 loan applications, misrepresenting PUGMI’s financials and employee numbers to gain access to funds. Supporting documents included fraudulent tax returns and fictitious financial statements.

Today’s guilty plea includes charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, as well as making a false statement to a financial institution. The couple faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine per charge. Currently released on bond, they await sentencing dates.

The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, Dena J. King, alongside FBI Special Agent Robert M. DeWitt, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley is handling the prosecution.

Victims and whistleblowers are urged to report any suspected COVID-19 fraud by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or filing a complaint through the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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