FLORIDA — A Jacksonville woman has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a credit scheme and fraud related to the COVID relief Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
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Crystal Denean Harvell, 37, faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud and is required to pay restitution to the victims she defrauded and to the United States government. Additionally, she has agreed to forfeit $20,415, traceable to the proceeds of the COVID relief fraud. Her sentencing date has not yet been set.
From February 2016 through September 2019, Harvell and co-conspirators fraudulently obtained Social Security numbers and used them to open lines of credit at various businesses. They reportedly acquired jewelry and other merchandise through these fraudulent lines, which Harvell resold through social media.
In April 2021, Harvell submitted a false PPP loan application, claiming to own a business that did not exist. Her application falsely reported her income and expenses, along with falsified tax documents. As a result, she was approved for a $20,415 loan. Harvell later is said to have used the loan proceeds for personal expenses.
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In October 2021, Harvell also submitted a PPP loan forgiveness application, falsely claiming she had used more than $18,000 on payroll expenses. Based on her false statements, the Small Business Administration (SBA) forgave the loan in full, including accrued interest.
The investigation was conducted by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Frein, with asset forfeiture handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.
This case is part of a larger effort by the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force, established by the Attorney General to combat pandemic-related fraud. The task force coordinates investigations and prosecutions of individuals involved in fraudulent schemes targeting relief programs.
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