MANVEL, Texas — Antonio Jackson, 39, of Manvel, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after submitting fraudulent Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) applications under a fake business, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced. Jackson’s fraudulent activities, spanning multiple schemes, resulted in over $2 million in losses to government programs and financial institutions.
Details of the Fraudulent PPP Scheme
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Jackson admitted to:
- Submitting false PPP loan applications under a nonexistent business
- Falsifying tax documents, bank statements, and employee records to deceive the Small Business Administration (SBA)
This scheme alone caused a loss of $491,711 to the SBA. The PPP loans were intended to support legitimate small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Jackson exploited the system for personal gain.
Other Fraud Schemes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
In addition to the PPP fraud, Jackson confessed to several other fraudulent activities committed during the COVID-19 epidemic:
- Defrauding a Federal Credit Union:
- Jackson submitted false home improvement loan applications to a Washington, D.C.-based federal credit union, securing funds under false pretenses.
- Mortgage Fraud:
- He falsely claimed an honorable military discharge to obtain a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-backed loan, misrepresenting his military status to qualify for benefits he wasn’t entitled to.
- Property Tax Fraud:
- Jackson attempted to avoid paying property taxes in Brazoria County by falsely claiming to be a fully disabled veteran, a status that offers property tax exemptions in Texas.
- Credit Card Abuse:
- In December 2024, Jackson was involved in an additional case of credit card abuse, adding to his long list of financial crimes.
Impact of Jackson’s Fraudulent Activities
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reported that Jackson’s actions resulted in more than $2 million in financial losses across various fraud schemes. His crimes not only targeted government relief programs but also exploited benefits designed to support veterans and taxpayers.
Upcoming Sentencing
Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal on April 16, 2025. He faces:
- Up to 20 years in federal prison
- A potential fine of $250,000
His guilty plea may influence the final sentence, but the severity of his crimes suggests a significant prison term is likely.
Statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office
U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei emphasized the importance of holding fraudsters accountable:
“Going after fraudsters who take money meant for hard-working Americans is a priority for this office. Doing so both upholds the public trust and protects the taxpayer.”
The case highlights the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat fraud, especially concerning relief programs established during the COVID-19 pandemic.
FAQ
Who is Antonio Jackson?
Antonio Jackson, 39, is a resident of Manvel, Texas, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and multiple other fraud schemes, causing over $2 million in losses.
What charges did Antonio Jackson plead guilty to?
Jackson pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to PPP loan fraud, mortgage fraud, credit card abuse, and property tax fraud.
How much money did Antonio Jackson’s fraud schemes involve?
His fraudulent activities resulted in losses exceeding $2 million, including $491,711 from fraudulent PPP loan applications.
When will Antonio Jackson be sentenced?
Antonio Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 16, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal.
What is the maximum penalty Antonio Jackson could face?
Jackson faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a potential fine of $250,000.
