Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that Brandon Jarrow, also known as Brandi Jarrow, aged 33 from New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to charges related to the CARES Act. The plea was entered on May 8, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.
The CARES Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, aimed to provide emergency assistance through the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key funding sources included the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
According to court documents, Jarrow submitted a false EIDL application to the SBA on June 20, 2020, leading to a $95,000 theft of government funds. Additionally, on February 4, 2021, Jarrow made false statements to secure a $20,833 PPP loan for another fraudulent business.
Jarrow is scheduled for sentencing on August 13, 2025. For making false statements and theft of government funds counts respectively she faces up to five years and ten years in prison. Each count could result in fines up to $250,000 along with three years of supervised release and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the investigation led by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration - Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera from the Financial Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.
For further details on the Department of Justice’s pandemic response or to report fraud allegations related to COVID-19 relief efforts visit their website or contact their hotline.