Renic Palmer, Jr., a 25-year-old resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 13, 2025, for making false statements to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). The sentencing took place before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier. Palmer had previously pleaded guilty to violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(3), as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.

Court documents revealed that Palmer submitted fraudulent writings and documents to secure a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan from the SBA. He falsely claimed ownership of a merchant wholesale hair supply company established in 2017 and asserted his eligibility for PPP funds. These misrepresentations led to Palmer receiving $20,832 from the SBA.

Judge Barbier imposed a sentence of three years probation on Palmer, along with an order to pay restitution of $20,832 to the SBA and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

The Department of Justice encourages anyone with information regarding attempted fraud related to COVID-19 to report it via the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or through their online complaint form.

For further details on the Department's pandemic response efforts, individuals can visit their official website.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson acknowledged the efforts of the Special Agents of the Coast Guard Investigative Service in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde from the Public Integrity Unit oversaw the prosecution.