A Kissimmee man was indicted on multiple counts of wire fraud for allegedly using false information to receive over $1 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans.
Department of Justice United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today that 36-year-old Levelle Joseph Harris has surrendered pursuant to an indictment charging him with 14 counts of wire fraud, each punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to court records, between May 27, 2020, and June 2, 2021, Harris used false information to apply for 14 PPP loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
As part of the scheme, Harris allegedly made false representations on his PPP applications and electronically submitted the applications over the internet. The fraudulent loans were approved, and Harris received more than $1 million in internet wire transfers.
The case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the CARES Act relief program. The CARES Act was enacted in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to those experiencing hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.