MINNEAPOLIS, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Two Minneapolis-based business consultants have been indicted for defrauding COVID-19 pandemic aid programs of more than $1 million while serving as business advisors to Hennepin County, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, when small businesses were suffering deep economic losses, these defendants saw an opportunity to defraud aid programs by submitting phony invoices and applications for benefits,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. “I commend the skilled investigators and prosecutors who work diligently to hold accountable those who defraud the aid programs designed to support our small business community.”
Starting in 2020, Tezzaree El-Amin Champion, 27, and Marcus Alexander Hamilton, 27, through their company, Futuristic Management Group LLC, executed a fraud scheme to obtain funds from various COVID-19 relief programs. They submitted fraudulent applications for PPP loans, pandemic relief, and other funds on behalf of their clients and their own entities.
Under contracts with Hennepin County’s “Elevate Business” program, Champion and Hamilton billed for work not performed and for services clients paid for, violating the program’s terms. They also submitted fraudulent PPP and EIDL loan applications and misappropriated a portion of the received funds.
Champion intimidated clients by showing them a firearm. Law enforcement found $126,000 in cash and a firearm at his residence. As a convicted felon, Champion is prohibited from possessing firearms.
The fraud resulted in losses exceeding $1 million and involved over 100 fraudulent applications. Champion and Hamilton face multiple charges, including mail fraud, wire fraud, and theft of government money. Champion also faces a firearm possession charge.
This case is investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Minneapolis Police Department’s Special Crimes Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew D. Forbes and Joseph H. Thompson are prosecuting.
The charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.