Some defendants allegedly applied multiple times for relief funding and some allegedly spent the funding. ” Only now, however, months after the program ground to a halt, is the full scope of the fraud being realized. If you are under investigation for SBA or PPP Loan fraud, you should take the matter very seriously and. If you are privy to information proving an individual or company obtained Paycheck Protection Program funds illegally in Alabama, filing a Alabama PPP loan fraud case is the most effective means to pursue justice while receiving protections for yourself. This page provides answers to common questions about PPP loan fraud in Columbus. S. If you’re accused of PPP loan fraud, it’s likely the DOJ might get involved. Ferdinand was released after posting a $25,000 unsecured bond pending sentencing. In March of 2020, the government instituted the CARES Act to help individuals and businesses to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 45 million loans. If you do not wish to submit a phone number, write "000-000-0000. The PPP fraud cases prosecuted by The U. His sentence was based in part on a two-level enhancement, applicable. By hiring an FCA attorney, a PPP loan fraud whistleblower may file a qui tam lawsuit against the fraudster on behalf of the U. (662) 328-1224 | [email protected] bottom line is that an experienced PPP fraud lawyer gives you the best chance of avoiding the most catastrophic outcomes here – like years behind bars or financial ruin for your business. If you are privy to information proving an individual or company obtained Paycheck Protection Program funds illegally in Columbus, filing a Columbus PPP loan fraud case is the most effective means to pursue justice while receiving protections for yourself and your family. S. Attorneys for Ohio PPP Loan Fraud CARES Act Whistleblower Lawyers Serving Clients in Ohio. CARES Act Fraud Tracker. COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former Columbus woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to 16 counts of wire and passport fraud. Boncimino, 46, of Sycamore, was indicted on July 8, 2021 with four counts of bank fraud, four counts of money laundering and four counts. A Mississippi-based freight trucking company and its owner must pay the US government $482,329 in trebled damages and a penalty for making false statements to receive a Paycheck Protection Program loan. 5 million through several different types of fraud. CONTACT SHRAGER DEFENSE ATTORNEYS 24/7 FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION. Grand jury indicts 6 for alleged COVID-19 pandemic relief fraud. CARES Act Fraud Tracker. You can search the SBA's entire PPP loan data below. Stephanie Diane Smith, 53. There were 5. Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony is expected to join federal law enforcement officials Thursday for a news conference. Finding an Experienced SBA Fraud Lawyer. President Trump signs the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (H. J. can apply too [2] . The case was brought in Ft. Begin Your Defense Today: (614) 444-1900. 1 million in PPP loan funds. May 17, 2020 20:55 ET | Source: John Helms Dallas Criminal Law FirmSBA Fraud / PPP Loan Fraud Defense. Top Rated Lawyers Nationwide Who Win Over 50 Years of Legal Experience On Your Team. Paycheck Protection Program Loan Search. PUBLISHED 12:54 PM ET May 04, 2021. District Court in Columbus to wire fraud and making false statements related to five coronavirus relief Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Date: July 18, 2023 Contact: [email protected] first thing you should do, and the best thing you can do, is contact an Orlando PPP fraud lawyer. Summary: The U. COLUMBUS : GA: 31907 : $10,000,000 : 500 : Limited-Service Restaurants : Teds. S. 1 million, after he had successfully obtained a legitimate PPP loan. Police arrested a former Columbus-area bakery owner Thursday in Utah as federal prosecutors accuse her of stealing the identity of a dead baby and illegally obtaining $1. The U. C. How to Defend Against PPP Loan Fraud Allegations. 7 million in PPP loans and obtained the $1. There are a total of 553318 businesses in Georgia that have received at least $150k in forgivable PPP loans from the SBA in 2020. James Farmer. 266), April 24, 2020. Antwann Richardson with fraud in connection with more than $2,000,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury. According to court documents, on July 30,. Meanwhile, about 1. Boncimino, 47, of Sycamore,. : Twenty-two defendants were charged in an $11. It was implemented to help small businesses retain employees and. S. The latest is Isaac Lamont Dawson, who pleaded guilty in May to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for fraudulently obtaining PPP loans, a Covid-19 relief program administered by the U. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. It is anticipated that cases will be brought under federal banking law as well as the False Claims Act. District Judge. Prosecutors said Degan admitted that for tax years 2016 through 2020, he willfully failed to file payroll tax returns and failed to pay $600,629 in withheld employment taxes on behalf of his. By Jessie Gibson. We know what to expect and what to do to get the best result possible. Geo resource failed to load. Darrell Thomas, et al. Please call 412. 616-336-6731. An investigation into potential PPP fraud by Triad general contractor Travis Hayes and his Pilot Mountain company, Hayco Construction, has ended, with no charges filed or anticipated. Ms. 0:00. The lenders in this year's list of the region's largest Paycheck Protection Program lenders approved 8,581 loans for. Those charges remain pending. by: Ronald G. Call the Joslyn Law Firm at (614) 444-1900 for a free consultation about your white collar offense in Franklin County and surrounding counties, including Pickaway County, Madison County, Delaware County, Licking County and Fairfield County in Ohio. Anyone considering PPP fraud should know law enforcement is watching, and federal prosecution can follow. Small business owners and executives who applied for Paycheck Protection. – Two Columbus residents were taken into custody today after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging them both with wire fraud and theft of government property related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. It was created. Small business owners and executives who applied for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans may be unknowingly exposing themselves to criminal liability. Schaefer allegedly assisted co-defendant Latisha C. Columbus, OH » 49° Columbus, OH ». Harrescia Hopkins, a correctional officer employed at the U. We know what to expect and what to do to get the best result possible. 8 million in covid-relief fraud. Tempe, AZ 85284. Please call us at (614) 444-1900 or contact us online to learn more about how we could assist with defending you against your pending criminal charge. jsobh@andersonkill. One of those support measures was the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan program, which became a much-needed. Whistleblowers in successful qui tam lawsuits for PPP fraud will receive significant compensation--cash rewards ranging from 15-30% of the total amount recovered. The Law Office Of Jennifer Brisco in Columbus, Ohio received a PPP loan of $8,100 in May, 2020. Given the circumstances, a formal federal prosecutor named James W. Travis C. According to the FinTech, by August 2020, it processed over $7 billion in PPP loans to at least 300,000 small businesses. ALBANY, Ga. Oxford, Mississippi – U. In the Kansas City area, some notable PPP and EIDL fraud cases include: A Nixa, MO roofing contractor who received over $700,000 in PPP loans, which he used to buy a residential property, vehicles, jewelry and other personal items. A Columbia PPP fraud whistleblower lawyer could help individuals who have witnessed abuses of the COVID-19 relief programs. The government alleged that the business owner falsely certified to the Small Business Administration (SBA) that he would not receive more than. This case is part of Georgia’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fraud Task Force, aimed at better protecting the citizens of Georgia from criminal fraud arising from the pandemic. How long you can go to jail for PPP loan fraud may depend on several factors, including: For example, if a defendant is charged with bank fraud involving PPP loans, under U. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed the. Consult an Experienced Lawyer if You Suspect PPP Fraud. The case was brought in Ft. Congress enacted the PPP in March 2020 to provide. @ killadmilla / via Instagram. S. COVID-19 ht Alabama area businesses hard. Meanwhile, about 1. As of Dec. S. Speak with an SBA Fraud Defense Lawyer at Oberheiden P. In support of the three false PPP applications, prosecutors say Jenison created false Fifth Third Bank account statements for her business for the period Feb. September 1, 2023. How. Unfortunately, the PPP has also been subject to widespread abuse. Code 18 U. A former Columbus bakery owner is facing charges of identity theft and fraud for a slate of offenses, including claiming $1. 11/8/2023. Bio and Articles. The affidavit said Howard submitted tax forms that showed he paid nearly $2. A former Columbus bakery owner is facing charges of identity theft and fraud for a slate of offenses, including claiming $1. Part of the relief offered by the CARES Act was the Paycheck Protection Program. CINCINNATI – Four local individuals have been charged federally with defrauding COVID-19 pandemic relief funding programs. government reached a settlement agreement with Zen Solutions, Inc. 5 million. Federal prosecutors and criminal investigators from various federal agencies are actively looking for possible PPP loan fraud, EIDL loan fraud, and other CARES Act violations in an attempt to recover money that may have been fraudulently obtained from COVID-19 relief programs. Phoenix PPP and EIDL fraud cases have involved from $17,500 up to $3 million in loans obtained illegally. Now, the Department. They include: Let the Columbus Ohio Medicaid fraud attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm assist you with a defense in your criminal case today. Contact: newsroom@ci. Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 200 defendants in more than 130 criminal cases and has seized over $78 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as. To report a scam you have seen, use the form below. Risk Free ConsultationWorking alongside law enforcement partners and U. S. Freeman is a go-to white-collar boutique for companies, executives, and healthcare professionals facing sensitive healthcare fraud investigations, prosecutions, and related litigation. Howard received a PPP loan of more than $400,000 claiming his business had 35 employees, a complaint affidavit said. Meanwhile, about 1. Meanwhile, the University of Texas researchers who studied PPP fraud estimate that the enforcement rate of chasing scam artists is "well under 0. 3293 the statute of limitations for wire frauds effecting a financial institution is 10 years and “financial institution” arguably covers a fintech lender extending a PPP loan. Free consults: (614) 500-3836. Dawson, 40, pleaded guilty Tuesday in U. Mar 15, 2022. ST. Columbus PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers. C. On August 23, 2023, the DOJ announced the results of its nationwide enforcement action against a multitude of alleged COVID-19 fraud schemes. Sellinger announced today. It’s definitely a complicated area of law, and if you don’t have a good legal team helping you out, the consequences can be really severe. and other. Do you qualify for 50% refundable tax credit? ERC program under the CARES Act encourages businesses to keep employees. Do you need to speak with a federal defense attorney about Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud defense? For a free and confidential consultation with a senior attorney at Oberheiden P. 18, 2021 at 12:18 PM EDT. The False Claims Act is a federal law that makes it a crime for any person or organization to knowingly make a false record or file a false claim regarding federal programs, including the PPP program. An attorney in New Jersey has been indicted with multiple counts of bank fraud and other crimes for allegedly obtaining, fraudulently, nearly $9 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP. It is important to note that you may also face significant criminal penalties if it is determined you were not eligible to receive the PPP loan in the first place. 2 trillion in relief to bolster the American economy against COVID-19 losses. The following list comprises the 14,310 law firms that received more than $150,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. 8 million in PPP loans. S. The public is encouraged to submit any allegations of COVID-19 fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form. S. On March 29, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. False Claims Act Case Tracker for Paycheck Protection Program Fraud. Last Updated September 26, 2022. From April 2020 to March 2021, prosecutors said Bril fraudulently obtained over $6. The loan amount he received was slightly over $2 million. 6 million Covid EIDL loans, under which small. To date, the FBI, the SBA’s Office of Inspector General, the IRS, the U. – Five individuals were charged for their roles in fraudulently obtaining federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and for laundering the loan proceeds, U. The PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) was an integral part of the CARES Act. Scam Alert - Law Enforcement Credentials - May 18, 2022 Don't Be A Mule - December 2, 2021. The Paycheck Protection Program gave businesses a line of support during the hardest periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. An attorney could work to determine if a violation has occurred, to identify the correct way to blow the whistle, and to push for an appropriate reward through a writ of ‘Qui Tam. Do you qualify for 50%. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. S. 5 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans. According to the indictment, the defendants illegally obtained $3. DOJ officials reported the first case of loan fraud in the Paycheck Protection Program. Even if you have already claimed for PPP Loan Application. LEO - Law Enforcement Pay Calculator; SES - Senior Executive Service Pay. Securities Enforcement Lawyers (1) PPP Fraud (1) Atlanta Trial Lawyers (1) Federal Tort Claims (1) Contact Us. How to Defend Against PPP Loan Fraud Allegations. C. Crosby, 32, of Wellford, South Carolina, was sentenced to three years, ten months in prison to be followed by three years supervised release, and order to pay restitution in the amount of $897,172. For a free, confidential and no-obligation consultation please fill out our short online contact form and one of our whistleblower attorneys for PPP loan fraud claims from Columbus. These included business email compromises, romance scams, unemployment. CONTACT SHRAGER DEFENSE ATTORNEYS 24/7 FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION. Call LHA today. Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid,. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the PPP. Richardson pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Fox 10 reported . IRS-CI is the criminal investigative arm of the IRS. More than $860 billion in federal funds were appropriated for UI benefits through September 2021, to assist individuals who lost their. Based on Rabbitt’s false and fraudulent certifications and documents, the SBA paid more than $2 million dollars to lenders in connection with the fraudulent PPP loans Rabbitt obtained. For businesses, PPP loan fraud can result in a loss of funds as well as reputational damage. This Article will review the rules regarding debt dischargeability in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Columbus PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyers. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Two women have been charged with fraudulently receiving nearly $3 million in COVID relief funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), prosecutors announced. The Department of Justice announced an update today on criminal and civil enforcement efforts to combat COVID-19 related fraud, including schemes targeting the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and Unemployment Insurance (UI) programs. 0:04. Available Defenses in PPP and EIDL Fraud Cases Despite issues with the loan programs, they still helped many legitimate small businesses. The IRS offers rewards for those who report tax fraud that results in a conviction. Jade focuses his practice on insurance recovery, exclusively on behalf of policyholders, as well as regulatory and complex commercial litigation matters. S. In the months since the PPP began, Fraud Section attorneys have prosecuted more than 100 defendants in more than 70 criminal cases. Millions Misused: Illinois Cracks Down On State Employees Involved In $4. FORT MYERS, FLORIDA –United States Attorney Roger B. Protection Pr ogram (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds received by their defunct business North Atlantic Security. Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as. 19, 2023. Contact us at (614) 444-1900 to secure a free consultation with Joslyn Law Firm and have one of our defense lawyers review your case. Carolyn Denise Wade, 48. Boncimino, 47, of Sycamore, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering before U. Don’t go it alone if accused of pandemic loan fraud in Detroit. June 22, 2022 — United States Attorney Jacqueline C. 1344, the penalty includes up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1 million. S. Yi He, 35, entered his plea in U. You need an experienced federal fraud attorney to help you whether you're charged with securities, mail, or wire fraud. fraud-related cases. In addition, lenders were not always clear on how to handle PPP fraud or recover funds obtained fraudulently from the PPP that remained in the borrower’s account. Top Rated Lawyers Who Win. ALBANY, Ga. Our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers are very experienced in federal law and can help you. S. Call Columbus check fraud lawyers at Luftman, Heck and Associates to protect your rights. (COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Three former executives of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium were indicted today for their roles in a scheme to defraud the zoo of more than $2. Fighting Back Against PPP and EIDL Fraud Charges in Arizona When COVID-19 hit, the government scrambled to help small businesses survive massive shutdowns and disappearing customers. As Pelzer reports, several non-state workers also were indicted for helping with the schemes and/or committing fraud on their own, including a Columbus-area daycare owner who had $3 million. Attorneys Tal Chaiken and Nathan Kitchens and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Siji Moore are prosecuting the case. Strategies may include: Plea negotiations – An attorney may be able to get charges dropped or reduced, or reach a plea deal with lighter sentencing recommendations. (13) Columbus Residents Indicted For Cares Act Fraud. That’s why Congress signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act into law in March 2020. Two Florida men pleaded guilty this week in the Northern District of Ohio for leading a nationwide scheme to fraudulently obtain over $35 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. “I’m confident that when the allegations are heard in the court of. S. 7 million from the SBA’s EIDL and PPP programs by making false statements about the number of employees, the. PPP Fraud Lawyer In Columbus. In this blog. Payment process protection program (ppp) fraud criminal lawyer. Reporting PPP Loan Fraud · Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto LLP. A Camden County man admitted to fraudulently obtaining a $237,500 Paycheck Protection Program loan by falsely claiming. OXFORD, MS – A federal grand jury in Oxford, Mississippi returned an indictment on Wednesday charging Columbus, Mississippi residents Jabari Ogbanna Edwards and Antwann Richardson with fraud in connection with more than $2,000,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds received by their defunct business North Atlantic Security. Defendants in some of the first PPP fraud cases have already received stiff sentences, including 30 months, 57 months and over 5 years in federal prison. In such a critical and challenging time, people’s jobs have been threatened, so government-allocated funds must get distributed to people and. The SBA made about $11. (13) Columbus Residents Indicted. According to the IRS 75 percent of tax cheating is done by individuals. In the aftermath of a Bloomberg Businessweek analysis in October 2020 finding financial technology companies handled 75% of the approved PPP loans connected to fraud by DOJ, a fintech crackdown has been expected, but is still awaiting resolutions. Shappert announced today that Mashama Ferdinand, 38, of St. Our PPP Audits and Appeals team of attorneys concentrate their practices in finance, government investigations, tax controversies, and white-collar. Several defendants have pleaded guilty in what prosecutors have described as a nationwide PPP fraud ring. If you are being investigated or charged with PPP or EIDL fraud in Maryland, having an experienced white collar criminal defense lawyer is critical. To schedule a free legal consultation and case evaluation with an experienced federal food stamp fraud lawyer, give us a call today at (614) 444-1900 or. We know what to expect and what to do to get the best result possible. Free consult. Attorneys. The federal courthouse in downtown Wichita. U. Bakersfield PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers. A former Columbus baker pleaded guilty to 16 counts of wire fraud and passport fraud in federal court. Since the PPP began, Fraud Section attorneys have prosecuted more than 100 defendants in more than 70 criminal cases. 0:59. Top Rated Lawyers Nationwide Who Win Over 50 Years of Legal Experience On Your Team. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. 1 billion in PPP fraud and initiated 1,800 civil investigations involving. – A Georgia man convicted for money laundering after he fraudulently filed for $2. The MBE prosecution is significant because it likely presages increased. The Great Pandemic Heist: Attorneys’ Role in Fighting PPP Loan Fraud. Our white-collar defense attorneys offer big-firm talent in a collaborative environment; think-tank intellect; and exacting analytical precision. When you see news happening, share it! We’d love to hear from you. Parker, United States Attorney for the. 2 million in. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia include the following: United States v. Marin lawyer impersonator sentenced in federal PPP fraud case. Detroit PPP Loan Fraud Lawyers – What You Need to Know. C. An individual suspected of fraud in. File a complaint with the SBA Inspector General Office. Anthony J. By Lydia Taylor Cleveland. 00: HR LAW PA: WINTER. File Anonymously: If you would like to remain anonymous, simply write "anonymous" in the required fields. 5 million in. 2023-07-13. Assistant U. 8, 2020 to March 6, 2020. On April 28, 2021, in the Southern District of New York, a Manhattan man was arrested on a criminal complaint charging him with major fraud against the United States, bank fraud, wire fraud, making false statements, and money laundering in connection with an alleged fraudulent scheme to obtain $5. S. The Department of Justice announced today new criminal charges, convictions, and sentences as part of its ongoing initiative to prosecute fraud in connection with various pandemic relief programs under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, as well as other crimes. Do you qualify for 50% refundable tax credit? ERC program under the CARES Act encourages businesses to keep employees on their payroll. C. 2 central Ohio women federally charged for $2. O’Shea and Elliot Morrison. He stated on the application forms that he had 20 employees and had spent $20,000 of the loan on payroll costs. Bloomberg Law Automation. 8 million in PPP loan fraud. It’s critical if you are facing PPP loan fraud charges, you speak to our attorneys. Defending businesses facing federal investigation or charges for PPP fraud. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia include the following: United States v. The Attorneys of DiCello Levitt are Experienced, Exceptional Whistleblower Lawyers That Understand PPP Fraud and Know How to Protect You. On September 7, the U. By Robin Smith – Research director, Columbus Business First. Jean R. On Tuesday, May 5, 2020, the U. ”. Around 1. In the COVID-19 era, there has been a heist of great value, but it has not gone undetected. Bank records indicate Schaefer improperly used PPP funds for personal expenses, including nearly. Language. May 26, 2023. The DOJ has worked diligently to monitor and investigate the misuse of pandemic relief monies. Even a first-time offense can carry the possibility of jail. Begin Your Defense Today: (614) 444-1900. Miller's lawyer declined to comment. The program, like most governmental benefit programs, has been tainted with fraud, and the Department of Justice has been cracking down on those who have committed PPP loan fraud. Timothy Jolloff is also charged with. C. Enacted as part of the $2. 1 million PPP loan fraud scheme orchestrated by Duluth, Georgia resident Darrell Thomas. 50 to resolve allegations it improperly processed a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan on behalf of an ineligible customer, announced U. Related ArticlesUnder the False Claims Act (FCA), for instance, the government may reward a PPP whistleblower with up to 30 percent of the recovered funds. Derrick Nesbitt, 46. The Illinois Office of Executive Inspector General has taken action against 177 state employees by referring them to law enforcement agencies, accusing them of obtaining Paycheck Protection Program loans fraudulently. They’ll ensure proper process is followed and prevent you from accidentally making statements against your own interests. If you need help with your PPP case, call our PPP Loan Fraud Defense Lawyers in Tampa at 813. government. (PPP) fraud since banks and other lenders began processing loan applications on behalf of the Small Business Administration on April 3, 2020. Lauderdale, Florida. We have impressive results becaue of our. Collectively these defendants sought to defraud the. Listen to this article 2 min. Jean Pierre-Toussant, 35. The Facts of the Case: First PPP Loan False Claims Act Settlement. The owner of Community Enhancement Services Inc. Why You Need an Experienced Virginia PPP and EIDL Loan Fraud Lawyer. Many. 29 million and use the money for personal benefits, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today. Cindi Denton was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to attempt to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. Mouw , Gage M. The Impact of PPP Loan Fraud. Code 18 U. 8 million in restitution. OXFORD, MS – A Starkville man was sentenced on Friday to 78 months in prison for more than $6,000,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud. According to court documents, Christopher Paul Lick, 46, of Starkville devised a scheme to defraud, and to obtain PPP funds, by filing false and fraudulent loan applications with banks providing. Prosecutors also showed evidence to prove Crowther used PPP proceeds to buy a near $700,000 boat In the defense’s closing arguments, Crowther’s lawyer, Brian Dickerson, repeated to the jury to.