Updated: 11:28 AM EDT April 7, 2021
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich Five men were indicted by a grand jury on multiple federal charges for COVID-19 relief fraud, United State Attorney Andrew Birge announced Wednesday. Three of the men are from Grand Rapids.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by COVID-19.
One way relief is provided is through the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses though the PPP program, which provides small businesses with loans to keep employees on the payroll.
The indictment alleges that Jemar Mason and David Kurbanov, along with Andre Jackson and James Williams, received approximately $1.495 million through the Small Business Administration and the PPP for two shell companies.
Apr 6, 2021
Three Kent County men are indicted in connection to Payment Protection Program fraud.
The men provided false information to receive the loans that were meant to provide relief for small businesses.
Jemar Ahton Mason and David Kurbanov of In a Minute Entertainment LLC received money for a business that did not have any customers or employees.
Kurbanov also received money for Kurbanov Communications LLC, which is also inactive.
Dennis Lynn Cartwright Jr. worked with the pair to disguise their spending so it appeared as though they were paying employees.
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