Maryland Resident Pleads Guilty to Preparing and Submitting Fraudulent Applications for Cares Act Financial Assistance

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SHANIQUA PAGE WILSON, age 32, a resident of Odenton, Maryland, pleaded guilty  today before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1343.  The charges stem from WILSON’S role in preparing and filing false applications for loans related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). 

According to court documents, between about April 19, 2021, and May 20, 2021, WILSON and (Co-Conspirator 1) recruited friends and family members, primarily via word of mouth and text message, to participate in a scheme whereby they would fraudulently obtain money from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans with her assistance.  WILSON and Co-Conspirator 1 then created and electronically submitted, loan applications.  These loan applications falsely stated that the recruited applicant had a sole proprietorship in the beauty industry and generated substantial income from those businesses.  Co-Conspirator 1 charged some applicants up to approximately $5,000.00 once the PPP loan was funded. 

Between about May 4, 2021, and May 5, 2021, WILSON and Co-Conspirator 1 prepared and submitted approximately five (5) fraudulent PPP loan applications, including for themselves and their relatives, that resulted in a loss to the United States Small Business Administration and other designated financial institutions of approximately $104,160.