A 30-year-old Ocala woman has been indicted on one count of wire fraud after she allegedly obtained a fraudulent COVID-19 relief loan.
On Wednesday, United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the return of an indictment charging Passion Lajodia Jackson with wire fraud related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
According to the indictment, between April 2, 2021, and April 6, 2021, Jackson allegedly devised a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration. During this time, she applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan under the CARES Act.
Jackson allegedly made false representations and provided false documentation in order to obtain the loan. The United States is seeking an order of forfeiture for at least $20,132 – this amount represents the “unlawful proceeds of the offense charged in the indictment,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Jackson’s trial is set to begin in October 2023. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with agencies across government, to help combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud.