A former analyst for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Tiesha Johnson, 56, has entered a no contest plea to charges that she fraudulently acquired loans designed to support businesses enduring the financial strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office reported that Johnson, previously a resident of Farmington Hills, pleaded in Oakland County's 6th Circuit Court to three counts of false pretenses, with amounts ranging between $1,000 to $20,000, according to WWJ Newsradio 950. She has agreed to pay restitution totaling $34,675.
The case stems from an inquiry initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General in July 2022, after which the issue was referred to Nessel’s office. Johnson was arrested in Dallas, TX, pursuant to warrants from the Department of Attorney General, and transported back to Michigan where she was arraigned in December 2023. Details from Michigan's Department of Attorney General indicate that she illicitly obtained two PPP loans and one EIDL advance while still a federal employee, with no legitimate business, employees, or payroll expenses that would otherwise justify such support.
Attorney General Nessel shared her resolve against such fraudulent activity, stating, "The financial relief provided to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic was a lifeline for countless Michigan residents. I am grateful to the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General for referring this matter to my office and allowing us to hold Ms. Johnson accountable for defrauding these essential loan programs. This plea not only recovers stolen funds but also sends a clear message that my department will not tolerate the theft of resources intended for those in need." She stressed the importance of the plea in terms of both recovering the stolen funds and delivering a stern warning to potential fraudsters, as per Michigan's Department of Attorney General.
As an outcome of her plea, Johnson has been scheduled for sentencing on October 9, before Judge Michael Warren at the 6th Circuit Court.
