Federal authorities continue to crack down on individuals accused of abusing COVID-19 relief programs, and one recent case shows just how seriously these crimes are taken. Rindal Pierre-Canel, formerly of Massachusetts and now living in Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to submitting fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. Over the course of just a few months in 2021, he applied for and received more than $50,000 in government aid by falsifying information about businesses he claimed to operate—including one application that used another person’s identity.
Instead of using the funds for legitimate business expenses, prosecutors say Pierre-Canel spent the money on personal luxuries like flights and designer clothing. His actions are now costing him more than just money—he faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud. His sentencing is scheduled for October 2025, and the final penalty will depend on a number of factors including federal sentencing guidelines.
PPP fraud has been a high-priority target for law enforcement since the passage of the CARES Act in 2020. With hundreds of cases already prosecuted nationwide, authorities have recovered millions in stolen funds and seized luxury items bought with fraudulent loans. Agencies like Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Labor continue to work together to uncover these schemes and bring offenders to justice.
For those facing similar charges, the stakes are high. Fraudulently applying for PPP funds—whether by exaggerating business income, inventing employees, or using someone else’s information—can result in years behind bars and massive fines. The federal government takes these crimes seriously, especially when the funds are misused or obtained under false pretenses.
Anyone under investigation for PPP-related fraud should seek legal counsel immediately. A knowledgeable defense attorney can help protect your rights, respond to investigative demands, and possibly negotiate a more favorable outcome. If your business is under federal scrutiny for PPP loan fraud, you need to hire an experienced COVID Fraud attorney who understands the complexities of these allegations. If you or your company received PPP loans and there’s any concern about how they were obtained or reported, now is the time to seek counsel. At Dhar Law, LLP our award-winning COVID & PPP fraud defense and white collar criminal defense team have defended countless high-level criminal and civil cases resulting from federal investigations. Please contact us at 617-880-6455 to speak to a member of our team.
