Johnny Narcisse and his cousin Johnson Dieujuste have been sentenced for defrauding pandemic relief programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, of over $2 million. Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. commented on the case: "These defendants brazenly stole funds from programs designed to help individuals and businesses suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic."
The investigation began in July 2021 when federal agents executed a search warrant at Narcisse's home in Georgia, uncovering evidence of a conspiracy with Dieujuste to file fraudulent COVID-19 relief loan applications on behalf of small business owners. The duo recruited these owners, fabricated necessary information for loan applications, and received kickbacks once loans were approved.
Narcisse, aged 46 from Atlanta, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross to two years and four months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He must also pay restitution totaling $2,000,332 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Dieujuste, aged 37 from Loganville, received a sentence of two years and eight months in prison with three years of supervised release. He is required to pay restitution amounting to $2,081,559 following his guilty plea to similar charges.
Both men independently filed fraudulent loan applications for themselves as well. These actions were factored into their sentencing and restitution orders.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and Small Business Administration's Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Alana R. Black along with Trial Attorneys Jennifer Bilinkas and David A. Peters from the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
This prosecution is part of broader efforts under the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force established by the Attorney General on May 17, 2021. The task force aims to combat pandemic-related fraud through collaboration across government agencies.
Individuals with information about potential COVID-19 related fraud can report it via the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline or online complaint form.
For further inquiries, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.