If you have committed PPP or SBA Fraud there is a good chance the DOJ will investigate you and if they determine you have committed fraud, you will be arrested and face charges. The DOJ is using sophisticated technology to determine if businesses are applying and obtaining relief funds legally. A good thing to keep in mind is if you have committed this type of fraud, or are considering it, understand if you are caught you will be charged with the amount you applied for, even if it is much less than the amount you ultimately receive. So for example, if you apply for 4 million dollars but only receive 1.5 million expect to be charged with 4 million dollars and to have sentencing guidelines in the neighborhood of 78-100 months.
An example of this type of fraud was committed by the owners of Victoria Nails and Spa in New York. The company’s 3 owners applied for PPP Loans of over 13 million dollars. They ultimately received over 7 million dollars. Shortly after the funds were received a hold was placed on the accounts of the 3 owners for potentially suspicious activity. After the hold was placed on the account investigators revealed internet searches by the 3 owners for “ PPP Loan Fraud,” and “PPP Loan Fraud Arrests”
Because these types of crimes involve stealing money from the government the penalties will be likely very high with fines in the millions and potential prison time in the decades. If you are arrested for this type of crime you need a strong attorney and a well-planned sentencing mitigation strategy There are many factors that can contribute to the decision to commit these types of crimes and a sentencing mitigation strategy can illustrate this. Sentencing mitigation can give the court a true understanding of the entire person apart from his or her crime. Sentencing mitigation is designed to put the defendant in a position to receive the lowest possible sentence. If you have been arrested or are under investigation for PPP or SBA Fraud please call today to discuss a no-obligation personal sentencing mitigation plan.
