The Federal government introduced the Paycheck Protection Program in 2020 to help small businesses cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. This program, along with other relief programs, provided billions of dollars and was instrumental in helping to avoid bigger economic issues. The Small Business Administration (SBA) administered the program with the help and cooperation of banks and financial lenders throughout the country.
Since the inception of the program there have been investigations into potential abuses and fraudulent activity. Of course, as with any large government program handling a lot of money, there were some instances of fraud. PPP was supposed to provide financial relief during a time of uncertainty during the early days of the pandemic. Since then, the government has investigated hundreds if not thousands of individuals at all levels to see if they abused the program.
Everyone deserves a solid defense from accusations of criminality. If you are under investigation or believe your business has been exposed to PPP Fraud then you need a criminal defense attorney. Peter McCoy has the experience and knowledge to defend your case. Peter has 20 years of high-level legal experience in South Carolina, he is a former state representative and US Attorney. Don’t let accusations of fraud derail your career, business, or reputation, contact our firm today to set up a consultation.
PPP Fraud can occur in many different ways. Some common examples of businesses and individuals being investigated involve the following infractions. Claiming ghost employees, false revenue, and misusing loans. PPP Fraud is being investigated by the justice department, the SBA, the IRS, and other subdepartments and governmental agencies as well as by state agencies and departments. PPP Fraud itself is not a crime because PPP Fraud is an umbrella term encompassing other crimes which fall into the categories of financial and white-collar crimes. These can be making false statements, embezzlement, wire fraud, bank fraud, and more. Many of the crimes that you can be charged with for engaging or being convicted of fraud are federal felonies. These charges can come with years of imprisonment and large fines.
The federal government continues to investigate and indict individuals caught defrauding the program. In fact, late in 2021 the justice department and other agencies declared a continuous fight against fraud of this nature. Of course, an allegation or even a charge is not proof of guilt. The government has the burden of proof when they allege misconduct, never forget that. You need to defend your constitutional rights and Peter McCoy can help with just that.
Peter McCoy has over 20 years of legal experience and excellence in South Carolina. Peter’s career highlights include serving as a US Attorney, South Carolina State Representative (including being the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee), and a prosecutor for the state. Peter has extensive experience in private legal practice. There are few lawyers in South Carolina who can match this experience. If you are accused of fraud related to PPP contact our offices today to set up a consultation.
All content on this website is intended for general information only. Any information presented on any page on this website or link from this website should not be construed to be formal legal advice from the McCoy Law Group nor the formation of a lawyer-client relationship. Every case is different. Any result that Peter McCoy or the McCoy Law Group may achieve on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.