Quentin Allen Jackson, a former Harlem Globetrotter, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his involvement in a COVID-19 fraud scheme. Jackson, 58, was also ordered to pay three million dollars in restitution after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering related to fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration.

U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. commented on the case: "We in the Carolinas idolize our basketball stars, especially the ACC greats who played on Tobacco Road. As a college point guard and Harlem Globetrotter, Jackson’s crossover was deadly. But he drew a foul when he used his talents and reputation to recruit people into a multi-million-dollar fraud on our nation’s pandemic relief program."

Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation in Charlotte, stated: "Schemes to fraudulently obtain federal funds meant to provide assistance to small businesses is unacceptable." He emphasized that IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will continue pursuing individuals exploiting federal relief programs for personal gain.

The sentencing follows the recent guilty plea of Earl Lamont Taylor, who collaborated with Jackson and Edward Whitaker to secure fraudulent PPP loans. Jackson is one of 27 defendants sentenced in this investigation, with five others awaiting sentencing.

Jackson's scheme involved obtaining fraudulent PPP loans for companies under his control and creating false payroll records. He instructed purported employees to cash checks and return the cash to him. Additionally, Jackson acted as a middleman by recruiting over a dozen individuals into the scheme for a fee.

The CARES Act was enacted in March 2020 by Congress to provide emergency financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic through forgivable loans via the PPP program.

Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced Jackson's sentence following United States District Judge James C. Dever III's ruling. The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation is handling the case with Assistant U.S. Attorneys David G. Beraka and William M. Gilmore prosecuting.