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Jerry and Jaleel Phillips, 24, of Temple Hills, submit bogus Paycheck Protection Program loan applications (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster loan applications (EIDL), and unemployment insurance claims to get the money, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron said.
The Phillips brothers created aliases, used the personal identifying information of real people, and used out of business or fake corporate entities to apply for EIDL and PPP loans, and unemployment benefits, Barron said citing the affidavit.
They made several financial and email accounts under aliases, including “Kenneth Williams,” “Allen Gator,” and “Jamal Hopkins," which were supported by fake Maryland driver’s licenses, social security numbers, and birth dates, federal officials said.
The brothers used the funds to buy a 2020 Camaro, furniture, home improvement items and services, and made more, authorities said.
Significant funds were also transferred between the various financial accounts established in the aliases’ names.
The Phillips used several fraudulent Maryland driver’s licenses to create multiple accounts in popular digital currency exchange platforms, authorities said.
The brothers face federal charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft; and Jaleel Phillips, age 24, of Temple Hills, Maryland, for wire fraud, in relation to an alleged scheme to unlawfully obtain COVID-19 relief loans and unemployment benefits, Barron said.
If convicted, the Phillips brothers face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud. Jerry faces an additional two years in federal prison consecutive to any other sentence imposed for aggravated identity theft.
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