The Latest Breaking News from Paycheck Protection Program

She invented a business, got $41,381 in PPP loans and still won't spend a day in prison

An Illinois woman confessed to fraudulently obtaining government aid via a fake business, netting over forty thousand dollars from two Paycheck Protection Program loans. Her tax returns raised red flags that led to the discovery of the fraudulent activity. Ultimately, she avoided jail time, receiving probation and was ordered to…

The Economic Times · Aug 4

The GOP Megadonor Behind the Bid to Break Dallas City Government

Conservative hotelier Monty Bennett and a California-based company that offers protesters-for-hire have seeded an “astroturf” right-wing influence network that has kicked into overdrive to push controversial “Dallas HERO” city charter amendments.

Texas Observer · Oct 18, 2024

PPP fraud investigation finds Cook County workers ripped off $1.2 million from pandemic relief program

Interim Cook County Inspector General Steven Cyranoski says he suspects eight workers of defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program — on top of at least 31 workers he previously identified.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 12, 2024

25 Chicago Park District employees could face firing in COVID relief fraud probe

And City Hall’s inspector general says she is continuing to investigate possible Paycheck Protection Program fraud.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 27, 2023

PPP fraud suspected of 5 more Cook County workers, including woman who used money to pay for daughter’s wedding, report says

Interim Cook County Inspector General Steven Cyranoski says, over the past year, 25 county workers were found to have ripped off the federal Paycheck Protection Program.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 15, 2023

PPP fraud probe results in 6 Chicago Park District employees resigning, 5 facing discipline

Separately, City Hall Inspector General Deborah Witzburg’s investigation of COVID relief Paycheck Protection Program fraud “is a large-scale undertaking” that could lead to criminal charges.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 19, 2023

Ja’Mal Green business steered COVID-19 relief loan applicants to lenders faulted by Congress for ignoring fraud

In hindsight, government oversight of lenders was lax, mayoral hopeful says, but many small businesses denied by traditional banks got the help they needed.

Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 3, 2023

PPP fraud uncovered in Chicago, informant reveals $100K bounty on FBG Duck and more in your Chicago news roundup

Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 27, 2023

Clusters of pandemic relief loans went to the same Chicago addresses, including homeless shelters, Sun-Times finds

One Paycheck Protection Program loan recipient who used a Salvation Army address said he was a farmer. A dozen others said they operated barber shops or beauty salons. Most got loans of about $20,000, the maximum based on a yearly income of at least $100,000.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 27, 2023

How the Paycheck Protection Program went from good intentions to a huge free-for-all

An NPR analysis of data released by the Small Business Administration shows the vast majority of Paycheck Protection Program loans have been forgiven, even though the program was rampant with fraud.

WEKU · Jan 9, 2023