A Maryland man, Andra Shirone Thompson, has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for his involvement in pandemic relief loan fraud and commercial loan fraud. U.S. District Judge Lydia K. Griggsby handed down the sentence after Thompson pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Thompson admitted to defrauding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act loan programs and engaging in a scheme that targeted commercial equipment financing companies over several years. In addition to his prison term, he received three years of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit $847,280 and pay restitution amounting to $813,363.01.
The announcement was made by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, alongside officials from various law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.
According to court documents, Thompson conspired to submit fraudulent applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans using companies under his control—Alpha Bravo Tango LLC., Senergy Consulting Group Inc., and Novus Ordo Seclorum LLC. The fraudulent activities allowed him to obtain $716,375 illegally, which he partially spent on luxury items like a 2014 Lamborghini Aventador and home renovations.
Thompson also participated in another scheme involving false invoices for computer servers and related equipment sales submitted to equipment financing companies. These fake transactions led lenders to approve loans based on non-existent sales. Thompson and his associates misappropriated the funds once disbursed by lenders who were unaware of the deception.
In this fraudulent operation, over $60 million was obtained through more than 350 separate loans due to the actions of Thompson's group. His principal co-conspirator, Craig David Davis from Venice, California, was previously sentenced to 93 months in prison for related charges.
The CARES Act aimed at providing emergency financial aid during the COVID-19 pandemic through forgivable loans administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Department of Justice established strike forces across the United States specifically targeting COVID-19-related fraud cases like these.
The District of Maryland Strike Force is part of this national effort focused on large-scale pandemic relief fraud executed by criminal organizations. This initiative involves interagency collaboration employing data-driven teams designed to prosecute those misusing pandemic funds.
For further information about ongoing efforts against pandemic-related fraud or details regarding assistance offered by U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland visit their official websites or report any suspicious activity through designated channels provided by the Department of Justice.