The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Tuesday that five former IRS employees from the mid-south have been accused of defrauding numerous federal COVID-19 relief programs. Multiple court documents showed that several employees obtained funds under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program by submitting false and fraudulent loan applications that collectively sought over $1 million.
What was the Money Used For?
These individuals used the money for a multitude of personal items like cars, vacations, and personal investing. The five individuals charged were, Brian Saulsberry, 46, of Memphis; Courtney Quinshe Westmoreland, 38, of Cordova; Fatina Hewitt, 35, of Olive Branch, Mississippi; Roderick DeMarco White II, 27, of Memphis; and Tina Humes, 56, of Memphis. The money received for each individual ranged from $11,500 up to $123,612 received in loans, payment programs, and unemployment benefits.
All of these individuals spent their newfound wealth on many things, some elected for designer clothes and expensive jewelry, while others used it for extravagant trips to Vegas, cars, and investments.
All of these individuals spent their newfound wealth on many things, some elected for designer clothes and expensive jewelry, while others used it for extravagant trips to Vegas, cars, and investments.
Facing Jail Time
All involved have begun to face their charges within the last 3 months, and are staring down multiple years in prison. A maximum of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud, and up to 10 years for each count of money laundering.
Wrap Up
Surely, these aren’t the only ones who managed to successfully commit fraud from the Covid-Relief programs. Hopefully, this can be a step in the right direction in getting this money out of the pockets of those who wrongly obtained it, and into the pockets of those who really need it to help themselves and their families.