A resident of Pelham, Georgia, Tyreek Brown, 28, was convicted of wire fraud in connection with a pandemic-related scheme involving his family. The verdict came after a two-day trial that began on August 11. Brown faces up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. His sentencing date will be set by the court.
Brown’s codefendants—Sherronica Jackson, 38, and Alan Brown, 52—both from Pelham, previously pleaded guilty to bank fraud charges. Each could receive up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine when sentenced on November 12.
Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner is overseeing the case. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Our office will pursue justice for these types of criminal schemes that deliberately defraud taxpayers,” stated U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “I thank our law enforcement and prosecutorial team for holding those responsible accountable.”
Court documents show that Sheronica Jackson applied for and received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from the Small Business Administration in March 2021 under the CARES Act but falsely claimed she earned $97,000 in gross income for 2019 without identifying any business or category on her application. She received $20,207 as a result.
Jackson then helped Alan Brown and Tyreek Brown obtain fraudulent PPP loans by providing false information about non-existent businesses and inflated incomes on their applications. Alan Brown claimed he had a contracting business with over $101,000 in income but lacked any professional credentials or employment records; he was awarded two loans totaling $20,833 in April and May 2021.
Tyreek Brown also submitted two loan applications as a sole proprietor using the same address as his relatives for an alleged business that did not exist and falsely reported earning $103,400 in 2019. He received two loans totaling $20,833 on April 15 and May 12 of that year. After receiving the funds, Tyreek Brown transferred $3,000 to Jackson through accounts shared with Alan Brown via Cash App and Zelle.
The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General investigated this case as part of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee Taskforce.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica Hansis prosecuted the case.
