Editorial Photo Credit: GA Fullner

Rolling Out is reporting that 19 people which include actors, musicians and athletes, have been indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice on Paycheck Protection Program loan fraud. 

The site points out that “among the most notable is Madea Goes to Jail star Ion Overman, 45, who is also known for her roles as Det. Elena Ruiz in CBS’ “Wisdom of the Crowd” and Candace Jewell in Showtime’s “The L Word.” 

Carlos “Clos” Stephens, a music producer and consultant who has worked with Master P and Little Romeo; Dale Godboldo, an actor who appeared in “The People v. O.J. Simpson,” “Thor” and awards-season darling “The Year of the Dog”; and Marvin Lewton, a media personality covering hip-hop known as OG Shadi Powers.” 

The ringleader, Mark C. Mason Jr., has been accused of submitting fraudulent loan applications that secured over $3 million in loans. Mason allegedly took a fee that could be anywhere from two to five percent of the total received if any individual accepted. Rolling Out pointed out that Mason is “also being charged in separate indictments for allegedly filing two of his own PPP loan applications on two of his businesses, Atlanta Business Capital and Advocate Business Capital, securing nearly $600,000.”

In December of 2021, Baby Blue, the founding member of the R&B group, Pretty Ricky, was sentenced to 20-months for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Blue received $24 million in emergency funds allocated via the PPP loan program. He was also ordered to pay over $2 million in forfeiture and restitution.

Source: Rolling Out