A 57-year-old man from Harper Woods, Roy Lee Holt, has been charged with fraud involving COVID-19 relief and Paycheck Protection Program funds. Holt was arraigned in 32A District Court on two counts of false pretenses involving $20,000 to $50,000, and one count involving $1,000 to $20,000. The charges carry possible sentences of up to 15 years and 5 years in prison, according to the Department of Attorney General.
Holt, a former Veterans Affairs employee, is accused of submitting a fake bank statement and false business information to have over $41,000 in Paycheck Protection Program loans forgiven. He also allegedly received $19,880 in COVID Emergency Rental Assistance funds by sending altered documents to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, as reported by the Department of Attorney General.
In coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, the Michigan Attorney General’s office pursued a case involving alleged misuse of pandemic relief funds. Attorney General Dana Nessel stated, “I would like to thank the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General for their assistance in this investigation,” and added, “My office will continue to pursue and prosecute those who took advantage of taxpayer funds meant for individuals and small businesses struggling during a time of crisis.” Holt, the defendant, was arraigned on Monday and released on a $10,000 bond. He is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference at 1:30 p.m. on August 6 before Judge Rebekah R. Coleman in the 32A District Court, as mentioned by the Department of Attorney General.
