JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A former Jacksonville church pastor has been indicted on federal wire fraud costs tied to an alleged scheme involving COVID-era small enterprise reduction funds, in accordance with the U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace.
Prosecutors say Marcus Eichelberger, 46, faces 4 counts of wire fraud associated to Paycheck Safety Program (PPP) loans issued via the Small Enterprise Administration. If convicted, he may resist 20 years in federal jail on every rely.
In accordance with the indictment, Eichelberger allegedly labored with one other particular person between March 2021 and February 2022 to submit fraudulent PPP mortgage functions for companies that weren’t eligible to obtain the funds. The functions reportedly licensed that the cash can be used for payroll and legit enterprise bills.
Authorities allege that when the loans have been accepted, the funds have been as an alternative stored for private use. Prosecutors additionally declare the pair later sought forgiveness for the loans, leading to an estimated $50,000 loss to the federal authorities.
U.S. Legal professional Gregory W. Kehoe mentioned the case displays ongoing efforts to crack down on fraud involving taxpayer-funded reduction packages. Investigators from the Division of Veterans Affairs Workplace of Inspector Basic, working alongside different federal companions, uncovered the alleged scheme.
Officers mentioned the investigation additionally recognized a connection between the pastor and a Division of Veterans Affairs worker concerned within the case.
The case shall be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Legal professional Kelli Swaney. Federal officers emphasised that an indictment is barely a proper cost and that Eichelberger is presumed harmless except confirmed responsible in courtroom.
