Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson has announced that Brandon Jarrow, also known as Brandi Jarrow, aged 33 and a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to charges related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The plea was entered on May 8, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.
The CARES Act was enacted on March 27, 2020, providing emergency assistance through the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary funding sources under this act were the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program.
According to court documents, Jarrow submitted a false application for an EIDL on behalf of a business around June 20, 2020. This fraudulent activity resulted in the theft of $95,000 in government funds. Furthermore, on or about February 4, 2021, Jarrow made false statements to secure a $20,833 PPP loan for another fictitious business.
Jarrow is scheduled for sentencing on August 13, 2025. She faces up to five years in prison for making false statements and up to ten years for theft of government funds. Each count carries potential penalties including fines up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
For more details regarding the Department of Justice’s actions during the pandemic or reporting fraud allegations related to COVID-19 relief efforts can be done through their official website or hotline.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the investigative work conducted by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration - Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera from the Financial Crimes Unit is leading the prosecution in this case.
