AUGUSTA, GA – Six individuals in the Augusta area are facing federal charges after allegedly exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic relief programs for personal gain. Nearly $400,000 has been seized as part of the ongoing investigation, revealing a brazen scheme to siphon funds intended to keep legitimate businesses afloat during a time of unprecedented economic hardship.
The fallout centers around the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed in March 2020, which authorized the Small Business Administration (SBA) to distribute crucial loans. Prosecutors say these defendants didn’t need saving; they saw an opportunity. They allegedly fabricated business details – revenue, employee counts, even the existence of the businesses themselves – to fraudulently obtain Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.
Whitney Adwan Mack, 33, of Louisville, GA, stands accused of being the ringleader, allegedly operating four phantom businesses. She’s charged with wire fraud and misuse of a Social Security number, claiming inflated revenue and employee numbers and using a Social Security number that wasn’t hers. Jada S. Nelson, 20, and Sonya Barnes, 41, both of Augusta, are charged with wire fraud and aiding and abetting, allegedly submitting similarly false applications. Rose Mary Coleman, 57, of Augusta, faces a wire fraud charge for allegedly misrepresenting her business’s finances. Orell Plummer, 41, of Augusta, is also charged with wire fraud, accused of padding his business’s numbers. Finally, Darryl T. Williams, Sr., 52, of Augusta, is charged with wire fraud for allegedly falsifying information to both the SBA and a financial lender.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia has already filed a forfeiture complaint to recover $383,456.21 seized, claiming it represents the ill-gotten gains from the fraudulent loan submissions. This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about funds diverted from businesses genuinely struggling to survive. The investigation highlights the vulnerability of emergency relief programs to predatory actors.
“These criminal cases brought today should serve as a strong deterrent to those considering exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to enrich themselves through fraud,” stated Glen M. Kessler, Resident Agent in Charge of the Secret Service Savannah Office. “These defendants took money that was earmarked for legitimate businesses… but instead were used to enrich themselves.” Kessler emphasized the importance of a swift response to cyber-enabled scams during these unprecedented times.
U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine didn’t mince words, stating, “In the midst of the pandemic, millions of Americans were suffering devastating economic situations.” He added the prosecution of these cases represents a commitment to safeguarding public trust and ensuring that relief funds reach those who legitimately need them. The investigation continues, and further charges are possible as authorities untangle the web of deceit.
Related Federal Cases
- Daniqua Clark, Mail Stream Theft and COVID-19 Relief Fraud, Atlanta… · Georgia
- Eijroghene Okuma, $10M Investment Fraud, Atlanta GA, 2023 · Georgia
- Sark Wire Corporation, PPP Fraud, Albany NY, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- James Pavlounis, Social Security Disability Benefits Fraud, New Roc… · Pennsylvania
- Emily Wilson, Investment Adviser Fraud, Pennsylvania, 2023 · Georgia
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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