The federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was created to help small businesses survive the economic impact of COVID-19. However, with billions distributed quickly, the DOJ and federal agencies have opened investigations into alleged PPP loan fraud across South Florida. If you’ve been accused of misusing PPP funds or submitting false information, consider obtaining advice before responding to an investigative request.
PPP loan fraud charges may include allegations of submitting false documentation, overstating payroll, or applying for loans under false business names. These investigations are typically led by federal prosecutors and often include wire fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, or money laundering charges. Penalties can include large fines, asset forfeiture, and federal prison time.
If you’re facing PPP loan fraud charges in Miami or Broward County, the response should be based on the charge, evidence, and applicable federal procedure. At Beaton Law Firm, we thoroughly examine the loan documents, government communication, and alleged evidence to review the documents, evidence, and legal issues. Many PPP investigations lack context and rely heavily on automated audit triggers, which may require context and verification.
Learn more about PPP Fraud Defense and how we defend clients accused of complex financial crimes. You can also review our related post on how to protect your business from PPP fraud allegations.
Types of Criminal Cases We Handle
Beaton Law Firm handles a wide range of criminal cases, including:
If you’ve been arrested or are under federal investigation, contact the firm to discuss the charge and next steps.
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Review the Loan and Business Records
Counsel may examine the application, payroll records, ownership documents, bank statements, communications, and the alleged false statement or omission. The review should identify who prepared each item, what information was available, and whether the evidence supports knowledge and intent. A program audit or discrepancy does not by itself answer those questions.
Preserve the Investigation Record
Keep notices, subpoenas, interview requests, loan files, and relevant messages in their original form. Do not alter or delete records. The response should account for criminal, business, tax, and restitution issues when they overlap.
Preserve Loan and Business Records
PPP-related inquiries may concern applications, certifications, payroll records, bank statements, tax records, forgiveness materials, communications, and the use of funds. Preserve original files and available metadata. A timeline should identify who prepared each document, what information was available, and when funds were received or used. An audit, repayment issue, civil matter, and criminal allegation are different processes.
The actual notice and governing law define the scope of a particular inquiry.
Document Ordinary Business Practices
Business records can provide context for payroll, operating expenses, ownership, and the role of people who prepared an application or certification. Preserve policies, bookkeeping records, and communications in their original form. A later summary should be kept separate from the contemporaneous documents it describes.
Maintain the records by date and source so any factual explanation can be checked against the original material.
Preserve Loan and Business Records
PPP-related inquiries may concern applications, certifications, payroll records, bank statements, tax records, forgiveness materials, communications, and the use of funds. Preserve original files and available metadata. A timeline should identify who prepared each document, what information was available, and when funds were received or used. An audit, repayment issue, civil matter, and criminal allegation are different processes.
The actual notice and governing law define the scope of a particular inquiry.
Document Ordinary Business Practices
Business records can provide context for payroll, operating expenses, ownership, and the role of people who prepared an application or certification. Preserve policies, bookkeeping records, and communications in their original form. A later summary should be kept separate from the contemporaneous documents it describes.
Maintain the records by date and source so any factual explanation can be checked against the original material.