Lansing, MI - On Monday, December 18, 2023, Tiesha Johnson, 55, formerly of Farmington Hills, was arraigned in the 47th District Court in Oakland County on charges of fraudulently obtaining Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the federal government, announced Michigan Attorney General.
Johnson, a former investigator for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, was arrested in Dallas, TX pursuant to warrants from the Department of Attorney General and transported back to Michigan earlier this week.
In July of 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General referred the matter to the Michigan Department of Attorney General and requested an investigation into potential federal loan fraud. It is alleged Johnson fraudulently obtained two PPP loans and one EID Loan totaling $34,675 while a federal employee. PPP Loans were meant to cover payroll expenses for businesses during the height of precautions against the Covid-19 pandemic. It is alleged Johnson did have a business, but not employees or payroll expenses.
Johnson is charged with three counts of False Pretenses, $1,000-$20,000; each offense a five-year felony.
“These federal loan programs were meant to keep businesses afloat amid the international pandemic," said Nessel. “Defrauding your country, your neighbors, and your fellow Americans, during a time of global crisis for your own financial gain cannot be tolerated. The State of Michigan saw millions of dollars fraudulently taken from these programs, and my office remains committed to rooting out and prosecuting the fraudsters and scammers responsible.”
Johnson was granted a $25,000 personal recognizance bond, and will next appear before the Court on January 3rd, 2024.