Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan | Department of Justice
West Bloomfield residents Peter Valente and Angela Toma have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud involving more than $2.6 million in pandemic relief loans, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. Valente also faces a charge of obstruction of justice.
Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Detroit, joined Gorgon in the announcement.
According to a criminal complaint that was unsealed today, Valente and Toma are accused of working together to obtain $2,609,210 from the Paycheck Protection Program through fraudulent means. The complaint alleges that they submitted false loan applications using inactive businesses and falsified bank records. When federal agents began their investigation into the alleged loan fraud, Valente reportedly told them that Toma was solely responsible for the scheme and claimed he was unaware of any crime until after it had taken place. However, investigators later determined that Valente was actively involved in the operation and even celebrated with Toma when one of their fraudulent loans was approved.
"A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is complete, determinations will be made whether to seek felony indictments," stated the release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Craig Welkener and investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
