North Las Vegas Resident Pleads Guilty to $1.1 Million COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme

Yesterday, a resident of North Las Vegas pleaded guilty to orchestrating a scheme that involved submitting over $1.1 million in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. Jaquari Davonte Woodward, aged 24, was charged with defrauding the Small Business Administration and a California lending institution by submitting false loan applications on behalf of himself and others.

According to court documents, Woodward engaged in the fraudulent scheme from around March 14, 2021, until at least October 9, 2021. In one instance, on March 17, 2021, he submitted a loan application for his supposed music business, inflating its revenue and providing falsified tax information. Woodward then promoted his scheme on social media, boasting about the money he received and offering assistance to others in exchange for $10,000 from any approved loan applications. Overall, he submitted at least 56 fraudulent PPP loan applications.

Woodward’s fraudulent actions resulted in approximately $1,166,582 being deposited into bank accounts controlled by him and his accomplices. He personally received around $41,166 in fraudulent PPP loans and played a significant role in obtaining over $1 million in fraudulent loans for others, amounting to at least $100,000.

Woodward pleaded guilty to wire fraud before United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro, and his sentencing is scheduled for August 15, 2023. If convicted, he faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison, along with supervised release, a fine, and restitution.


North Las Vegas Resident Pleads Guilty to $1.1 Million COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme

Listen to Ransom Garcia weekday afternoons from 3 to 7 on 1079 Coyote Country

Follow the station on socials: InstagramFacebook, and Twitter

Follow Ransom Garcia on InstagramFacebookTwitter and TikTok!

  • The Announcement

    The case was investigated by the Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General and the FBI, with Assistant United States Attorney Eric Schmale handling the prosecution.

    The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada, along with Special Agent in Charge Weston King for the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General’s Western Region, and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI.

  • Here's How You Can Help

    To combat pandemic-related fraud, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force on May 17, 2021. This task force, in collaboration with various government agencies, aims to prevent and prosecute fraudulent activities related to the COVID-19 relief programs. Individuals with information regarding COVID-19 fraud can report it to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or through the NCDF Web Complaint Form available at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

Get The Coyote Country Chronicle Newsletter Sent To Your Inbox

Enjoy the latest Country music, entertainment, Las Vegas happenings you need know, plus exclusive contests, games, and more.

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.