Earlier today in Brooklyn federal court, former New York City Police Department detective John Bolden pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for his role in a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud scheme. At the time of the offense, Bolden was serving as an NYPD detective. The proceeding took place before United States Chief Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon. Two co-defendants, Anthony Carreira—also a former NYPD detective—and Christian McKenzie, had previously entered guilty pleas. Each defendant faces up to 30 years in prison when sentenced.
The announcement of the guilty pleas came from Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge at the FBI’s New York Field Office.
“The Paycheck Protection program was created to keep small businesses afloat during an unprecedented national emergency,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “John Bolden, who swore to uphold the law as a police officer, instead shamefully broke the law and exploited the COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain. This Office remains committed to protecting taxpayer-funded programs and prosecuting those who steal from them.”
Nocella thanked several agencies for their assistance in the case: the Suffolk County Police Department; Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General; Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General; and NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau.
“Former NYPD Detective John Bolden abused his sworn oath to protect his community by submitting fraudulent loan applications to unlawfully receive paycheck protection program funds,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “While the cadre of NYPD detectives remains dedicated to their promise to selflessly serve, the FBI will not tolerate any public servant who exploits federal programs and taxpayer dollars to line their own pockets.”
The PPP was established by Congress in 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). According to court filings, both Bolden and Carreira owned interests in a tax preparation business franchise while serving as NYPD detectives. Between May 2020 and October 2022, Bolden participated in a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration by helping clients obtain PPP funds through fraudulent means. He assisted more than 65 individuals—including himself and his co-defendants—in submitting online loan applications containing false information.
Carreira knowingly submitted false documentation for his own PPP application. McKenzie, identified as Bolden’s cousin, also secured a fraudulent PPP loan and referred other applicants to Bolden in exchange for illicit proceeds. As part of this scheme, Bolden prepared fake IRS Schedule C forms that misrepresented employment details and income figures.
The Public Integrity Section at the U.S. Attorney’s Office is handling this case with Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Grubin and Eric Silverberg leading prosecution efforts.
The defendants are:
- John Bolden, age 47, Valley Stream, NY
- Anthony Carreira, age 43, Staten Island, NY
- Christian McKenzie, age 48, Wheatley Heights, NY
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York prosecutes federal crimes and represents civil matters within its jurisdiction—which includes Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County and Suffolk County—operating out of offices in Brooklyn and Central Islip (official website). The office also supports community outreach efforts (official website) and serves as the designated federal prosecutor's office for its district (official website). Breon Peace is currently listed as United States Attorney (official website).
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-361 (DG)
