A Louisiana woman has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty for her alleged role in a multi-state scheme to obtain millions of dollars from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through fraudulent applications, according to a March 24 announcement by federal authorities.
The case is significant as it highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address fraud related to COVID-19 relief programs. The Paycheck Protection Program was created during the pandemic to help businesses retain employees, but some individuals have sought to exploit these funds.
According to charging documents, Lisa Lemoine, 38, of Bossier City, Louisiana, conspired with others including Sniders Jean-Jacques, Lorne Johnson, Tanya Pierre, and Ashley Spike. They allegedly submitted false PPP loan applications on behalf of borrowers who were not eligible for such loans. The group is accused of creating fake tax forms and collecting up to 30 percent of the loan proceeds as fees. Borrowers who received PPP funds based on these fraudulent applications reportedly paid kickbacks equal to about 30 percent of their loan amount.
Jean-Jacques, Johnson, Pierre and Spike have been charged separately with conspiracy related to this scheme. The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years supervised release and a fine that could reach $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the charges along with officials from Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Boston Field Office; Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General Eastern Region; and U.S. Secret Service Boston Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Kearney is prosecuting the case.
The Department of Justice established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force in May 2021 as part of its effort against pandemic-related fraud schemes. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Authorities remind that details in charging documents are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.