LANSING – Tiesha Johnson, 56, formerly of Farmington Hills, pled no contest in the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County to fraudulently obtaining Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) from the federal government, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Johnson, a former analyst for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, pled to three counts of False Pretenses, $1,000-$20,000 and agreed to pay $34,675 in restitution.
In July 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General referred the matter to the Michigan Department of Attorney General and requested an investigation into potential federal loan fraud. Johnson fraudulently obtained two PPP loans and one EIDL advance totaling $34,675 while a federal employee. PPP Loans were meant to cover payroll expenses for businesses during the height of precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic. Johnson was arrested in Dallas pursuant to warrants from the Department of Attorney General and transported back to Michigan and arraigned in December 2023.
“The financial relief provided to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic was a lifeline for countless Michigan residents," Nessel said. "I am grateful to the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General for referring this matter to my office and allowing us to hold Ms. Johnson accountable for defrauding these essential loan programs. This plea not only recovers stolen funds but also sends a clear message that my department will not tolerate the theft of resources intended for those in need."
Johnson will be sentenced on October 9 in front of Judge Michael Warren in the 6th Circuit Court.
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