A federal grand jury has indicted Brandon Millender, 24, of Buffalo, New York, on multiple charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and concealment money laundering, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced on Apr. 10. The indictment carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and fines up to $500,000.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address alleged misuse of pandemic relief funds. Prosecutors say the scheme involved fraudulent applications for Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans and loan forgiveness between April 2021 and August 2025.
According to the indictment, Millender conspired with others to submit false PPP loan applications using information about non-existent businesses such as fabricated payroll expenses and revenue. He allegedly created numerous email addresses using names or variations of names belonging to other individuals without their knowledge or permission. The indictment also alleges that he used stolen social security numbers and other personal information to open bank accounts and online profiles—including CashApp/Block accounts—to receive and spend proceeds from the scheme.
Financial institutions affected by the alleged scheme include Key Bank, Harvest Small Business Finance LLC, Benworth Capital Partners, CashApp/Block, and the Small Business Administration. In total, over $140,000 in PPP loan proceeds were involved.
Prosecutors allege that between June and August 2025 Millender attempted to obstruct the investigation by influencing an individual to provide false information to federal investigators. They further state that between April 21 and May 11 of 2021 he conducted financial transactions designed to conceal ownership or control of illegal proceeds.
Millender was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer this afternoon and released under conditions pending further proceedings. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson is prosecuting the case following an investigation led by Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis from Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division.
Authorities emphasize that these charges are accusations only; Millender is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
