Jerry Baptiste, the last of 20 individuals charged in a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been sentenced for his involvement. The sentencing marks the conclusion of a significant investigation into fraudulent activities that misappropriated emergency funds meant for struggling businesses and individuals.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. commented on the case stating, “This defendant and his co-conspirators used an unprecedented global crisis to defraud the government and the American people.” He emphasized that "stealing from the government does not pay."
Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, remarked on the extensive nature of the investigation: “The FBI will make every effort to ensure federal funds are used as intended and punish anyone who would steal from our government.”
Demetrius Hardeman, Special Agent in Charge at IRS Criminal Investigation's Atlanta Field Office, noted that investigations into PPP fraud are ongoing: “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will continue their diligent search for those who defrauded the American people during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
According to court documents and Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, Jerry Baptiste conspired with others between April 2020 and May 2020 to submit a fraudulent PPP loan application for Transportation Management Services Inc., falsely claiming it had 66 employees and a substantial monthly payroll. This resulted in Baptiste and his associates securing $830,417 through deception.
Baptiste was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee to six and a half years in prison followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay restitution equal to $830,417. On October 29, 2024, he pleaded guilty to money laundering as part of a plea agreement.
All defendants involved have been convicted with sentences ranging from probation to 15 years' imprisonment. The case was investigated by both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samir Kaushal and Nathan Kitchens along with former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tal Chaiken and Norman Barnett prosecuted this case alongside Trial Attorney Siji Moore from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
The Department of Justice continues its efforts against wrongdoing related to COVID-19 relief programs. More information is available on their website or via their National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline.
For additional details or inquiries, contact can be made with the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280.