Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced charges against two suburban Chicago residents for allegedly fraudulently applying for and receiving Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Samantha Hower, 36, of Elmwood Park, Illinois, faces three counts of theft by deception over $10,000 and two counts of loan fraud, all Class 2 felonies punishable by up to seven years in prison. Additionally, she is charged with four counts of forgery (Class 3 felonies punishable by up to five years in prison) and one count of income tax fraud (a Class 4 felony punishable by up to three years in prison). Hower’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 1.
Dion Wilson, 35, of Warrenville, Illinois, has been charged with one count of theft by deception over $10,000 and one count of loan fraud (both Class 2 felonies), three counts of forgery (Class 3 felonies), and one count of income tax fraud (a Class 4 felony). Wilson’s next court appearance is set for October 22.
Sentences are served consecutively and are determined by the court.
“It is unconscionable that individuals would take advantage of assistance programs that provided a lifeline for millions of unemployed Americans and small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Raoul stated. “I will continue to ensure individuals who exploited pandemic assistance programs to line their own pockets are held accountable.”
The Attorney General's office alleges that both Hower and Wilson fraudulently applied for PPP loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration by falsely claiming ownership of non-existent businesses. Hower received $20,833 in April 2021 and another $20,833 in May 2021 through fraudulent applications. She also allegedly obtained a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for a fictitious business.
Wilson allegedly received $20,832 in March 2021 through a fraudulent application while employed by the Illinois State Police (ISP).
"Those breaking the law must be held accountable," said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. "These actions do not reflect the values and integrity of ISP. This individual has been placed on administrative leave without pay and ISP has recommended termination to the ISP Merit Board."
The Attorney General’s office is prosecuting both cases based on referrals from the Office of Executive Inspector General.
These charges are part of Attorney General Raoul’s ongoing efforts to address fraudulent collection of government assistance related to the pandemic. In June 2024, Raoul announced charges against fifteen government employees related to PPP loan fraud; in July, he charged a former Cook County Sheriff’s Office employee; earlier this month he charged a former Illinois Department of Revenue employee with similar offenses involving over $41,000 in PPP loans.
The public is reminded that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Assistant Attorney General Haley Bookhout is prosecuting both cases for Raoul’s Public Integrity Bureau.
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