A New Orleans man has admitted to committing fraud and money laundering in connection with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)—the federal government's response to the economic distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to an announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson, 54-year-old Irvin C. Francois, III pleaded guilty to charges related to making false statements to obtain a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and then using the funds for personal gain, personal
Documents from the United States District Court reveal that Francois was charged with misrepresenting information to secure approximately $144,790 in PPP loans on March 24, 2021. He subsequently used this money to illegally purchase a car in Kenner, Louisiana. The funds provided under the CARES Act were intended to help small businesses keep their workers employed during the pandemic, but Francois took advantage of the system. He now faces the possibility of severe penalties, up to 15 years in prison across both charges and fines potentially totaling half a million dollars.
Francois's sentencing is scheduled for January 6, 2026. Alongside the imprisonment and fines, he may receive up to three years of supervised release and is obligated to pay a $100 special assessment fee.
The case against Francois was spearheaded by an agent from the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force, which is tasked with ensuring transparent oversight and coordination of the federal government's pandemic response. The PRAC operates with the directive to root out and to put a stop to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion allocated for COVID-19 relief. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation were credited by Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson for their diligent work in this investigation.
For individuals suspecting or knowledgeable about potential COVID-19-related fraud, the Department of Justice urges them to report such instances by contacting the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline or through the NCDF Web Complaint Form. The collaborative effort between 15 Inspectors General is a measure to prevent misuse of federal funds and uphold integrity during this unprecedented global health crisis.
