Man Indicted for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering, Allegedly Scams Nearly $500,000 from COVID-19 Relief Programs

In a statement released today, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced the indictment of 38-year-old Antonio Jackson Jr. on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. Jackson was apprehended by authorities this morning and is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Y. Ho at 2 p.m.

The indictment, issued on December 12, alleges that Jackson engaged in wire fraud by deceitfully securing approximately $492,611 through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Payroll Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.

According to the charges, Jackson allegedly provided false information and fabricated documents to the SBA to illegitimately obtain loans related to the COVID-19 pandemic. His loan applications purported that he owned and operated multiple businesses with substantial revenue, numerous employees, and extensive payroll expenses.

The indictment claims that the businesses Jackson described were fictitious, and he allegedly submitted counterfeit payroll records, profit and loss statements, and tax records to persuade the SBA to approve the loans.

It is further alleged that Jackson misappropriated the fraudulently obtained funds for personal luxury expenditures, including high-end retail items, extravagant trips, and luxury vehicles.

Antonio Jackson Jr. is facing four counts of wire fraud and four counts of money laundering. If convicted, he could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000. The investigation leading to these charges was conducted by the Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General.