A Marshall County couple, Lakisha and Robert Pearson from Holly Springs, Mississippi, has been sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock for their roles in a PPP fraud scheme. Lakisha Pearson received a 75-month sentence to run consecutively with a previous 52-month sentence, totaling 127 months, while Robert Pearson was sentenced to 110 months for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. They have been ordered to repay $3,364,052 in restitution.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was intended to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pearsons, who owned Unity Tax Express, facilitated fraudulent PPP loans for others in exchange for kickbacks. These applications contained false details about the size and scope of the businesses involved.
Earlier this year, Lakisha Pearson was sentenced to 52 months for mail fraud related to false IRS Employee Retention Tax Credit claims. “These defendants are thieves who used a national crisis to steal money from the American people,” stated U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner.
Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Special Agent Joel Weaver commented on the commitment to pursue those defrauding taxpayer funds. “Fraudulently applying for loans through a federal program meant to assist Americans in need will be met with aggressive investigation and prosecution,” Weaver declared.
Mark Switzer from the U.S. Secret Service emphasized that relief programs like the PPP were designed to protect jobs during the pandemic, and those exploiting these programs will face legal consequences. Demetrius Hardeman from the IRS highlighted the ongoing accountability of those involved in CARES Act fraud.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Roberts and investigated by several federal agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service and IRS Criminal Investigation Division.
Reports of COVID-19 relief fraud can be made through the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud.
Since the CARES Act's inception, the Fraud Section has taken legal action against over 150 individuals, recovering over $75 million in cash and assets linked to fraudulent PPP activities.
