WFCN – Charleston, South Carolina
According to the Department of Justice, two Summerville residents and three North Charleston residents were sentenced to federal prison this week for their roles in a COVID-19 loan fraud scam.
- After entering a guilty plea to wire fraud, Summerville resident Staci Harley, 41, was sentenced to three years in prison.
- Anthony Harley, 40, of North Charleston, admitted guilt to wire fraud and was sentenced to two years in prison.
- After admitting guilt to wire fraud, Summerville resident Benjamin Blue, 42, was sentenced to one year and one day in jail.
- Sheniqua Mitchell, 37, of North Charleston, admitted guilt to wire fraud and was sentenced to 33 months in jail.
- Roberta Harley, 61, of North Charleston, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to conduct wire fraud and was sentenced to time served.
Image: WCIV
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was passed by Congress in 2020 in order to assist companies in paying their staff members during the epidemic.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Emergency Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) were the two options available to employers.
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Evidence in court demonstrated that the people who were sentenced provided phony tax returns and other fraudulent loan documentation in order to be approved for the loans.
U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina Adair F. Boroughs stated, “These sentencings mark another victory against this large-scale criminal operation that tormented the Charleston area with illegal drugs, guns, and financial crimes.”
“We will not stop prosecuting individuals who use illicit trafficking networks to jeopardize the safety of our communities.”