Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson has announced that Brandon Jarrow, also known as Brandi Jarrow, a 33-year-old resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to charges related to the theft of government funds and making false statements under 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 signed into law on March 27, 2020, by the President of the United States to provide emergency assistance through the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) for small business owners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The two main funding sources were the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program.
According to charging documents, Jarrow submitted a fraudulent application for an EIDL on behalf of a business around June 20, 2020. This resulted in a theft of $95,000 in government funds. Additionally, on February 4, 2021, Jarrow made false statements to obtain a $20,833 PPP loan for another sham business.
Jarrow's sentencing is scheduled for 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.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the efforts of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration - Office of Inspector General in investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera from the Financial Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.
For more information about the Department of Justice’s response to COVID-19 or to report allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 relief programs, individuals can visit their website or contact their hotline.
