Twelve individuals from Lakeland and Winter Haven have been charged with wire fraud following the unsealing of nine indictments in Tampa, Florida. The charges stem from a scheme to defraud the U.S. Small Business Administration through false Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. The PPP was part of the economic relief provided by the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The defendants are identified as Jamilah T’Asia Johnson, Khalid Preston, Nickolas Lavonsoa Brantley, Alexis Lafaye Flournoy, Quinton Lakeith Owens, Tinika Sykes, Richard James Grimes Jr., Kenny White, Anthony Grant, Jacquez Howard, Treasure Johnson, and Letor’e Webster. Most reside in Lakeland; one is from Winter Haven.
According to the indictments, these individuals are members or associates of the Hood Boys gang based in Lakeland. They allegedly submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications by falsely claiming to operate businesses. Each defendant received between $13,854 and $20,416. Instead of repaying or using the funds for legitimate business purposes, they either sought loan forgiveness—which was granted—or defaulted on repayment. The funds were reportedly spent on automobile payments and purchases at liquor stores, clothing stores, and gun stores. The total loss to the United States is estimated at approximately $236,000.
“An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.”
The investigation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael J. Buchanan and Jeff Chang will prosecute the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led approach involving multiple agencies to target high-level criminal organizations that pose threats within the United States. More information about OCDETF can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Individuals with information regarding attempted COVID-19 fraud are encouraged to contact the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or submit tips online via www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
