On November 22, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that an indictment was unsealed in the Northern District of Texas charging Nathan Reis, 45, and Stephanie Hockridge, 41, with orchestrating a plan to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 relief funds through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Reis and Hockridge, co-founders of Blueacorn, a lender service provider, face accusations of submitting false loan applications and fabricating documents to access funds for which they were not eligible.
According to court documents, the couple, who are married and reside in Puerto Rico, allegedly exploited the PPP under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The indictment claims they used fabricated payroll records, tax documentation, and bank statements to secure loans. In addition to applying for funds for themselves and their businesses, they allegedly charged borrowers illegal kickbacks based on a percentage of the funds received.
The indictment further details that Blueacorn, which Reis and Hockridge co-founded in April 2020, was purportedly established to assist small businesses and individuals in obtaining PPP loans. However, Reis and his co-conspirators are accused of inflating loan amounts by fabricating supporting documents and submitting false applications. Blueacorn also allegedly partnered with lenders through lender service provider agreements (LSPAs), where the company collected and reviewed applications on behalf of the lenders, receiving a percentage of the SBA fees paid to the lenders for approved loans.
A program within Blueacorn called “VIPPP” allegedly enabled Hockridge and others to offer personalized services to borrowers, which included coaching applicants on how to submit PPP loan applications. Prosecutors allege that Reis, Hockridge, and their co-conspirators knowingly submitted applications containing materially false information to increase their kickback earnings and the percentage of fees received from the SBA.
Reis and Hockridge are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison for each count.
If you or your business is under investigation for PPP-related fraud or other compliance matters, the attorneys at Chilivis Grubman can provide experienced guidance and representation. Contact us today to discuss your options.