A correctional officer at the United States Penitentiary in Atlanta and a member of the Special Investigative Services team, Andy Steven Johnson, has confessed to theft and fraud. He pleaded guilty to pilfering funds from an inmate’s CashApp account and fabricating a non-existent business to deceitfully apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan expressed his concern, emphasizing that Johnson exploited his role within the prison to victimize inmates and misappropriate their money. Furthermore, he attempted to misdirect pandemic relief funds by defrauding the PPP, all while being responsible for confiscating contraband and investigating misconduct at the facility. This misconduct falls under the scrutiny of the Department of Justice, which is determined to hold those who abuse their positions accountable.
Sandra D. Barnes, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for the Investigations Division at the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, underscored the seriousness of Johnson’s actions that misappropriated pandemic funds meant for those who need them. She stated that the DOJ OIG is committed to ensuring justice for the victims of such audacious acts.
The Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG) is equally resolute in pursuing justice. Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge, asserted that fraudulent attempts to access economic stimulus funds would face legal consequences. The SBA OIG remains dedicated to investigating fraud in programs to aid the nation’s small businesses during the pandemic.
U.S. Attorney Buchanan stated that the court proceedings reveal a pattern of illicit activities by Johnson. He has served as a correctional officer at the United States Penitentiary in Atlanta since January 2015 and was later assigned to the Special Investigative Services (“SIS”) team, responsible for probing inmate misconduct involving contraband. On January 13, 2021, he seized a mobile phone from an inmate and, instead of following policy for seized contrabands, transferred $300 from the inmate’s CashApp account to his own, later moving the funds into his checking account.
Johnson’s fraudulent activities extended to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a crucial part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act enacted in March 2020. He submitted a fraudulent PPP loan application for a fictitious business, Performance Customs, claiming the company had been operational since January 2020 and had substantial revenue. In truth, Performance Customs was a fabrication.
Andy Steven Johnson, residing in Peachtree City, Georgia, pleaded guilty to theft and wire fraud, and his sentencing is scheduled for February 7, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett L. Bradford, who serves as the Chief of the Public Integrity and Civil Rights Section.
The Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force on May 17, 2021, to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud by collaborating with government agencies and law enforcement partners to uncover fraudulent activities and bring perpetrators to justice.
Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/atlanta-penitentiary-guard-pleads-guilty-theft-inmate-and-ppp-fraud