By Spencer Levering
Las Vegas Review-Journal
(TNS)
Twelve people accused of conspiring to fraudulently obtain more than $14 million in COVID relief loans were indicted by a federal grand jury in Nevada, prosecutors announced Tuesday.
The Department of Justice said in a news release that Las Vegas-based tax preparer Charles Omonzokpia Usigbe and 11 others filed more than 100 false Paycheck Protection Program loan applications and more than 25 false Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications between April 2020 and May 2021.
Usigbe and the other alleged co-conspirators were charged in a 90-count indictment that included charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to money launder, promotion money laundering and concealment money laundering, the release said.
Prosecutors said the other defendants are Christopher Omobhio Usigbe, Nancy Usigbe Smith, Favor Chikelu, Francisca Iyere, Egberanmwen Vivian Osayanren Onaiwu, Matthew Obobhen Usigbe, Ayele Amavigan, Solomon Ugbodu, Ibironke Mercy Alaga, Ifekam Joycelynn Osuya and Varney Allen Fofana.
“The defendants deliberately engaged in fraudulent activity, diverting funds intended for individuals and small businesses impacted by the national emergency,” Christopher S. Delzotto, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office, said in the release. “The FBI, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in the pursuit and prosecution of individuals who misuse federal relief programs.”
The defendants made their initial court appearances Tuesday, according to the release.
A jury trial has been scheduled for Aug. 31.
Photo credit: Freepik
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