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A former employee of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in connection with a scheme that defrauded the Small Business Administration (SBA) of over $176,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The plea, entered in federal court, marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat fraud related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The individual, identified as Simeon Bakare, 55, of Waldorf, Maryland, previously worked in information technology for USAID.
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The CARES Act, enacted in March 2020, aimed to provide critical financial support to individuals and businesses impacted by the pandemic. Key programs established under the act, such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, offered forgivable loans and other forms of assistance to help businesses maintain operations and retain employees. However, the widespread availability of these funds also presented opportunities for fraudulent activity.
According to the details of the guilty plea, Bakare orchestrated a scheme between April 2020 and November 2021 to submit multiple fraudulent applications for PPP and EIDL benefits. He admitted to fabricating supporting documents, including false IRS Schedule C Forms and misleading attestations about the existence of sole proprietorships, to bolster these applications. The plea agreement states that none of the purported businesses listed on the fraudulent applications had substantial employees, office space, revenues, or operational activity. Bakare used the illicitly obtained funds for personal expenses such as car payments, housing costs, and grocery bills. This prosecution is part of a broader initiative by the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute individuals who have exploited federal relief programs for personal gain.
Bakare now faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud. His sentencing is scheduled for September 3. U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland announced the guilty plea, with the investigation spearheaded by the USAID Office of Inspector General. This case underscores the government’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for defrauding pandemic relief efforts. Residents who suspect or have knowledge of fraud related to federal programs are encouraged to report it.
Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland.
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