Lakeland gang indicted in $236,000 COVID loan scam

Twelve members of a Lakeland-based gang have been indicted for allegedly stealing $236,000 in COVID relief funds, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Greg Kehoe said. 

According to the nine indictments, all 12 are members or associates of the “Hood Boys” gang and face a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted of wire fraud.

The group is accused of defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration by submitting false Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, loan applications. 

Each individual falsely claimed to operate a business in their application and received between $13,854 and $20,416 in relief funds, the indictments say. Instead of repaying the loans, each person either defaulted on their payments or successfully applied for their loan to be forgiven, officials contend.  

The Hood Boys members then spent the money on car payments and purchases at liquor stores, clothing stores and gun stores, Kehoe’s statement says, totaling about $236,000.

The PPP loan program falls under the umbrella of the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act. In May 2021, the U.S. Attorney General established a COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. 

Those facing charges include Jamilah T’Asia Johnson, 25, of Winter Haven and the following Lakeland residents: Khalid Preston, 29; Nickolas Lavonsoa Brantley, 25; Alexis Lafaye Flournoy, 34; Quinton Lakeith Owens, 35; Tinika Sykes, 35; Richard James Grimes, Jr., 39; Kenny White, 31; Anthony Grant, 31; Jacquez Howard, 27; Treasure Johnson, 28; and Letor’e Webster, 24.