Ten individuals have been charged in federal court for their alleged roles in a fraud and money laundering scheme involving government pandemic relief programs. Prosecutors say the group targeted the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), fraudulently securing more than $9 million in loans.
Two of the defendants are also accused of laundering proceeds from a fraudulent unemployment insurance scheme.
Details of the Indictment
According to federal prosecutors, between November 2020 and June 2023, the defendants submitted unauthorized and falsified EIDL and PPP loan applications. Investigators allege the applications contained false information about business operations, payroll, revenue, and employee counts, supported by fraudulent tax records, bank statements, and payroll documents.
In some cases, stolen personal identification information was allegedly used to apply for loans without the knowledge of the real company owners. Once approved, the defendants are accused of withdrawing cash and purchasing luxury items, including high-end vehicles and expensive real estate.
Authorities say the lead defendant, David Nathaniel Black, Jr., 31, of Newnan, Georgia, used loan proceeds to buy:
- A 2022 Bentley Bentayga for $200,000
- A 2020 McLaren 720S convertible for $350,000
- A 2023 Mercedes Benz G-Class Wagon with a $142,680 down payment
- A luxury home rental, paying $180,645 in annual rent
Black faces 17 counts of wire fraud, 17 counts of aggravated identity theft, and over 100 counts of money laundering.
Other Defendants
The indictment also charges:
- Rashad Avery, 36, of Atlanta, GA
- Tara Batson, 31, of Atlanta, GA
- Chris Elvins Constant, 25, of Ft. Pierce, FL
- Nicole Cooley, 35, of Baltimore, MD
- Reginald Douglas, 32, of Atlanta, GA
- Yvenord Guerilus, 24, of Miami, FL
- Carson Merice, 25, of Miami, FL
- Rise Robinson, 36, of Atlanta, GA
- George Thompson, 33, of Atlanta, GA
Black and Constant are also charged with money laundering conspiracy tied to unemployment insurance fraud.
Ongoing Case and Public Notice
Nine of the defendants appeared in federal court this week. Authorities continue to seek Rise Robinson, who remains at large. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly K. Connors and Sarah E. Klapman are prosecuting.
The Department of Justice established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force in 2021 to combat pandemic-related fraud. Reports of attempted fraud can be submitted via the DOJ’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721 or through the NCDF online form.
Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
