Port Arthur man among 15 charged in scheme to defraud government aid programs - Port Arthur News

A Port Arthur man is among 14 individuals from Texas and one from Louisiana who have been indicted for allegedly using falsified documents to fraudulently obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and unemployment benefits, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The final five of those arrested are set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Dena Hanovice Palermo this week.

The 18-count indictment, issued by a federal grand jury on March 4, accuses Ebone Myrriah Mott of Houston of conspiring with others to create false applications and claims to enable their eligibility for PPP loans and unemployment insurance. Mott reportedly set up fictitious companies, fabricated records, and filled out applications for her co-conspirators, receiving payments for her services.

The fraudulent applications allegedly misled the Small Business Administration during the loan application process and impacted the distribution of funds. Specific charges against Mott include one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 17 counts of wire fraud.

Along with Mott, other individuals indicted include Brittany Garner-Richard, Miguel Bell, Candace Booker, Andrea King, and Joshe Johnson, all of whom face similar charges. Other accused conspirators, arrested between March 23-26, range in age from 28 to 40 and hail from various locations, including Livingston, Nacogdoches, Dallas, and even Louisiana.

If convicted, the defendants could face significant penalties, including up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service and the Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Day.