A former pro basketball player has confessed to defrauding government pandemic aid programs of over a quarter-million dollars. Lorenzo Gordon, 41, from Chesterfield, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money and could face up to ten years in prison and significant fines, as stated by the United States Attorney's Office.
Gordon admitted to defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, both designed to support businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. According to the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, the total amount stolen was $272,774 from loans for three companies he falsely claimed needed help: Logo Fitness LLC, Elite 50 Basketball Training LLC, and Elite Health and Fitness Company LLC. He received $107,074 from Paycheck Protection Program loans and $165,700 from Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program loans and advances.
Investigations by the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General revealed the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Klocke leading the prosecution. Gordon is scheduled to receive his sentence on January 9, 2025. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both, as reported by the United States Attorney's Office.
Authorities are cracking down on pandemic-related fraud and urging the public to report suspicious activities. You can report tips to the Department of Justice's National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or use their online complaint form. Your tips can help protect resources meant for individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic. For questions, contact Public Affairs Officer Robert Patrick at [email protected].
