Three Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees in Illinois are facing federal indictments for allegedly exploiting the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The employees are accused of fraudulently securing loans intended to help small businesses keep their doors open during the economic downturn.
Katherine Liggins and Eric Scott are charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of making a false statement. They allegedly obtained $20,000 each through fraudulent applications. Tamika Wilson, who faces two counts of wire fraud and multiple charges of submitting false documents, allegedly received $40,000 in PPP loans she was not qualified for.
The PPP was established by the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide emergency relief to struggling businesses. According to U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe, individuals who fraudulently took advantage of the program during a time of crisis will face serious consequences. “Greedy individuals who sought to steal from the federal government under false pretenses will be held accountable,” she said.
The investigation, led by the VA Office of the Inspector General, revealed that the defendants also attempted to secure loan forgiveness by submitting false information. Special Agent in Charge Gregory Billingsley emphasized that the indictments send a clear message that VA employees are not above the law.
If convicted, the defendants could face up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and up to five years for making false statements. The employees remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, but the indictments highlight the ongoing crackdown on fraud within pandemic relief programs.
