5 Lowcountry individuals convicted of COVID-19 loan fraud

CHARLESTON, SC (WCBD) – Two people from Summerville and three people from North Charleston were sentenced to federal prison this week for participating in a COVID-19 loan fraud scheme, according to the Department of Justice.

• Staci Harley, 41, of Summerville, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
• Anthony Harley, 40, of North Charleston, was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
• Benjamin Blue, 42, of Summerville, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
• Shenika Mitchell, 37, of North Charleston, was sentenced to 33 months in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
• Roberta Harley, 61, of North Charleston, was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

In 2020, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help businesses pay their employees during the pandemic. There were two avenues for businesses: the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Emergency Disaster Loans (EIDL).

Evidence presented in court showed that those convicted submitted fraudulent loan documents, including false tax documents, to obtain the loans.

“These convictions mark another victory against this large-scale criminal operation that has plagued the Charleston area with illegal drugs, weapons and financial crimes,” said Adair F. Boroughs, United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina. . “We will continue to pursue those who threaten the safety of our communities with illegal trafficking networks. »