Petition to Enter Plea of Guilty — United States v. Aleta Necole Thomas

Summary

Aleta Necole Thomas's petition to enter plea of guilty, with the order entering the plea, in Case Number 21-CR-239-GKF in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, Document 77. Represented by Keith A. Ward, Thomas asks to plead guilty to Counts Three and Four of the Second Superseding Indictment. The petition states that on or about May 27, 2020 Thomas submitted to Cross River Bank a Paycheck Protection Program loan application for Coming Correct Community Ministry claiming a $35,000.00 average monthly payroll and 26 employees, and on or about June 16, 2020 one to First Electronic Bank for Coming Correct Community Ministry II claiming $45,000.00 and 25 employees, and that those statements were false. It lists a maximum of thirty years in prison and a $1,000,000.00 fine on each count. The judge's order of December 8, 2021 accepts and enters the plea.

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Case 4:21-cr-00239-GKF Document 77 Filed in USDC ND/OK on 12/07/21 Page1of7

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OKLAHOMA

United States of America,
Plaintiff,

VS. Case Number: 21-CR-239-GKF

Aleta Necole Thomas
Defendant.

PETITION TO ENTER PLEA OF GUILTY
AND ORDER ENTERING PLEA
(Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rules 10 and 11)

The defendant represents to the Court:

My full true name is: Aleta Necole Thomas. | am forty-three years of age. I have gone to school up to
and eleventh (11") grade. I request that all proceedings against me be in my true name.

I am represented by an attorney; his name is Keith A. Ward OBA No. 9346.

I received a copy of the Second Superseding Indictment (“the Indictment”) before being called upon to plead. J read
the Indictment and have discussed it with my attorney. I fully understand every charge made against me.

I told my attorney all the facts and circumstances known to me about the charges made against me in the Indictment.
I believe that my attorney is fully informed on all such matters.

My attorney has counseled and advised me on the nature of each charge, on all lesser included charges, and on all
possible defenses that I might have in this case.

WAIVER OF CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS

I know that I have the right to plead "NOT GUILTY" to any offense charged against me. If I plead "NOT GUILTY,”
I know the Constitution guarantees me:

(a) the right to a speedy and public trial by a jury;

(b) at that trial, and at all stages of the proceedings, the right to the assistance of an attorney;

(c) the right to see and hear all witnesses called to testify against me, and the right to cross-examine those
witnesses;

(d) the right to use the power and process of the Court to compel the production of any evidence, including the
attendance of any witnesses in my favor; and

(e) the right not to be compelled to incriminate myself by taking the witness stand; and, if I do not take the

witness stand, no inference of guilt may be drawn from such failure.

In regard to my right to a jury trial, | know that I am the only person that can waive, that is, give up, that right. I also
fully understand that if I have trial by a jury, I have the right of the assistance of an attorney; also the right to confront and
cross-examine witnesses against me; and the right not to be compelled to incriminate myself. Furthermore, I understand that
to convict me, all twelve (12) jury members would have to agree that Iam "GUILTY.”

Petition to Enter Plea of Guilty and Order Entering Plea 1 CR-05 (8/12)
Case 4:21-cr-00239-GKF Document 77 Filed in USDC ND/OK on 12/07/21 Page 2 of 7

I know that, if I plead "GUILTY," I am thereby waiving my right to a trial, and that there will be no further trial of
any kind, either before a Court or jury, and further, I realize that the Court may impose the same punishment as if I had
pleaded "NOT GUILTY,” stood trial, and been convicted by a jury.

I further understand that my waiver of Sixth Amendment rights to a jury is a waiver of trial by jury in all respects,
both as to guilt or innocence and as to sentencing, and I consent that all matters in these proceedings be determined by the
Court in accordance with Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

PLEA OF GUILTY

I know that, if I plead "GUILTY," the Court will ask me questions about the offense(s) to which I have pleaded, and
since I will be answering these questions under oath, on the record, and in the presence of my attorney, that my answers may
later be used against me in a prosecution for perjury or false statement.

I know that the Court must be satisfied that there is a factual basis for a plea of "GUILTY" before my plea can be
accepted. I represent to the Court that I did the following act(s) in connection with the charge(s) made against me in Counts
Three and Four:

Count Three: On or about May 27, 2020, within the Northern District of Oklahoma, I submitted a Paycheck
Protection Program (“PPP”) loan application to Cross River Bank. I stipulate and agree that Cross River Bank was
a federally insured financial institution. The application was submitted on behalf of Coming Correct Community
Ministry (““CCCM”). The application contained statements that CCCM had an average monthly payroll of
$35,000.00; that CCCM had 26 employees; that CCCM had an Employer Identification of 10-9690847; that the
2019 IRS Schedule C supporting the application was authentic; and that CCCM had paid payroll taxes for such
employees or had submitted IRS Forms 1099 for wages paid to the employees. Those statements were false and I
knew them to be false when I submitted the loan application.

Count Four: On or about June 16, 2020, within the Northern District of Oklahoma, I submitted a Paycheck
Protection Program (“PPP”) loan application to First Electronic Bank. I stipulate and agree that First Electronic
Bank was a federally insured financial institution. The application was submitted on behalf of Coming Correct
Community Ministry II (““CCCM II’). The application contained statements that CCCM II had an average monthly
payroll of $45,000.00; that CCCM II had 25 employees; that CCCM had paid payroll taxes for such employees or
had submitted IRS Forms 1099 for wages paid to the employees; that the 2019 IRS Schedule C supporting the
application was authentic; and that the Gusto Payroll Report supporting the application was authentic. Those
statements were false and I knew them to be false when I submitted the loan application.

In deciding to enter my plea of guilty, I rely upon the following advice from my attorney.

My lawyer has advised me that accepting the plea agreement with the government is in my best interests and that he
will assist me in mitigating my punishment.

I also inform the Court that I am not relying, in entering my plea(s) of Guilty, on any representation from my attorney
or from the Government or any other source that has not been revealed to the Court and made a part of this record.

By pleading guilty, I understand that I waive, that is, give up, all pretrial motions, and cannot assert any such motions
before the Court or on appeal after pleading guilty.

I also understand that a conditional plea pursuant to Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 11(a)(2) can only be entered
WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE COURT, and the GOVERNMENT reserving IN WRITING the right, on appeal from the
judgment, to review of any adverse determination of any pretrial motions. The writing must be presented in open court and
made part of the record.

Petition to Enter Plea of Guilty and Order Entering Plea 2 CR-05 (8/12)
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I know that the Court will not permit anyone to plead "GUILTY" who maintains (s)he is innocent and, with that in
mind, and because I am "GUILTY" and do not believe I am innocent, I wish to plead "GUILTY,” respectfully request the
Court to accept my plea of "GUILTY," and to have the Clerk enter my plea of "GUILTY," as follows:

Guilty to Counts Three and Four of the Indictment

MINIMUM SENTENCE AND MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCE

I have been informed and understand that a plea of guilty may subject me to a sentence of imprisonment for
which there is no mandatory minimum sentence but for which there is a maximum sentence of thirty (30) years on
each count.

MAXIMUM SENTENCE REQUIRED UNDER LAW

My attorney informed me that the plea of "GUILTY" could subject me to a maximum punishment, which, as provided
by law, is thirty years imprisonment on each count and/or a fine of $1,000,000.00 on each count. My attorney has further
advised me that if the offense(s) to which I plead "GUILTY" occurred on or after January 1, 1985, the maximum fine is the
largest of:

(a) The amount specified in law defining the offense

(b) Double the gross pecuniary gain derived by a defendant from the offense

(c) Double the pecuniary loss caused by the offense to another person

(d) Individual Defendant Other Defendant
Any Felony; Misdemeanor resulting in death $250,000 $500,000
Other Misdemeanor punishable by more than six months $100,000 $200,000

My attorney has also advised me that a Special Monetary Assessment in the amount of $100.00 will be assessed
per count if the offense(s) occurred on or after November 12, 1984.

Further, my attorney has advised me that if the offense(s) to which I plead "GUILTY" occurred after December 31,
1982, and the offense(s) charge violation(s) of any statute found under Title 18 of the United States Code or certain
subsections of the Federal Aviation Act (Title 49 U.S.C. 1472), that Title 18 U.S.C. et seq. authorizes a court to sentence a
defendant to pay restitution in addition to, or in lieu of, any other penalty permitted by law, to any victim(s) of the offense(s).

In addition, I understand that if I am sentenced to prison, a term of supervised release of up to five (5) years may

be imposed. If the term of supervised release is revoked, an additional term of imprisonment and supervised release may be
imposed at each revocation.

IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES OF PLEA

If I am not a citizen of the United States, I understand that my plea of guilty in this case may subject me to deportation
and/or removal from the United States.

Because I am a US citizen, I have been advised that there are no immigration consequences to my plea.

PLEA AGREEMENT

My plea of "GUILTY" is the result of a plea agreement entered into between the government attorney, my
attorney, and me.

Since my plea of "GUILTY" is the result of a plea agreement, I hereby state that the terms of said agreement are as
follows:

Petition to Enter Plea of Guiltv and Order Entering Plea 3 CR-05 (8/12)
. Case 4:21-cr-00239-GKF Document 77 Filed in USDC ND/OK on 12/07/21 Page 4of7

The terms of my plea agreement are fully set forth in my written plea agreement with the government and there are
no terms that are not fully set forth therein.

I fully understand that the Court is not bound by the terms of the plea agreement, and may accept or reject said
agreement. If the Court rejects the agreement, I also understand that the Court will give me the opportunity to withdraw my
plea. of "GUILTY.”

I believe that my attorney has done all that anyone could do to counsel and assist me, AND I AM SATISFIED WITH
THE ADVICE AND HELP (S)HE HAS GIVEN ME.

STATE OF MIND

My mind is clear. I am not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and I am not under a doctor's care. The only
drugs, medicine or pills that I took within the past seven (7) days are for health conditions. None of my
medications effect my ability to fully comprehend this proceeding and the consequences of my plea.

I have never been confined in any institution for the treatment of mental illness. I have never been adjudicated
mentally incompetent. No psychiatrist, physician or psychologist has ever found me to be mentally ill. I know of no reason
why my mental competence at the time of the commission of the alleged offense(s), or at the present time, should be
questioned.

I offer my plea of "GUILTY" freely and voluntarily, and further state that my plea of "GUILTY" is not the result of
any force or threats against me, or of any promises made to me other than those noted in this petition. I further offer my plea
of "GUILTY" with full understanding of all the matters set forth in the Indictment/Information [Circle the appropriate title. |
and in this petition, and in the certificate of my attorney which is attached to this petition.

SENTENCING

I have been advised by counsel that I will be sentenced pursuant to the advisory sentencing guidelines procedure
established by Title 18 U.S.C. §3553 et seq. I understand that sentencing is a matter left exclusively in the province of the
Court; and | understand that the sentence imposed by the Court may be within the guideline table range provided by law or,
for good cause stated, the Court may depart therefrom after all relevant facts and circumstances of my case have been
considered by the Court, or the Court may impose a non-guideline sentence.

I further understand that the Court may impose a term of Supervised Release that will run after any term of
confinement that might be imposed.

Further, I understand that probation is not available as a sentencing alternative to the Court in most cases under the
advisory sentencing guidelines and that, whenever probation is permissible under the advisory sentencing guidelines, it is
exclusively within the Court's province to grant or deny probation.

If I am currently on supervised release, probation or parole in this or any other Court, I know that by pleading
"GUILTY" here, my probation, supervised release or parole may be revoked, and I may be required to serve time in that case
which may be consecutive, that is, in addition to any sentence imposed on me in this case.

I declare that no officer or agent of any branch of government (Federal, State, or local) has promised, suggested or

predicted that I will receive a lighter sentence, or probation, or any other form of lenience, if I plead "GUILTY” except as
follows:

None

Petition to Enter Plea of Guiltv and Order Entering Plea 4 CR-05 (8/12)
Case 4:21-cr-00239-GKF Document 77 Filed in USDC ND/OK on 12/07/21 Page5of7

If anyone else, including my attorney, made such a promise, suggestion, or prediction, except as noted in the previous
sentence, I know that (s)he had no authority to do so.

I know that the sentence I will receive is solely a matter within the control of the Judge. I hope to receive lenience,
but I am prepared to accept any punishment permitted by law which the Court sees fit to impose. However, | respectfully
request the Court to consider, in mitigation of punishment, that I have voluntarily entered a plea of "GUILTY.”

I have been advised and do understand that, subject to any waiver of my appellate and post-conviction rights contained
in my written plea agreement, I have the right of appeal of any sentence imposed by the Court to the Tenth Circuit Court of
Appeals. Also, I understand that any appeal must be filed no more than fourteen (14) days from date of the judgment.

I waive the reading of the Indictment in open Court, and I request the Court to enter my plea of "GUILTY" as set
forth in this petition.

I swear that I have read, understood, and discussed with my attorney, each and every part of this Petition to Enter
Plea of Guilty, and that the answers which appear in every part of this petition are true and correct.

Signed and sworn to by me in open court, in the presence of my attorney, this 8th day of December, 2021.

Aleta Necole Thomas
Defendant

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 8th day of December, 2021.

Deputy Clerk

Petition to Enter Plea of Guilty and Order Entering Plea 5 CR-05 (8/12)
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Case 4:21-cr-00239-GKF Document 77 Filed in USDC ND/OK on 12/07/21 Page 6of7

CERTIFICATE OF COUNSEL

The undersigned, as attorney and counselor for the defendant Aleta Necole Thomas, hereby certifies:
I have read and fully explained to the defendant the allegation(s) contained in the Indictment in this case.

To the best of my knowledge and belief, the statements, representations and declarations made by the defendant in
the foregoing petition are in all respects accurate and true.

I have further explained to my client the provisions of advisory guideline sentencing as established by Title 18 U.S.C.
3553 et seq. Although I have discussed with my client the maximum sentence imposed for the offense for which
(s)he is charged, I have not promised, suggested or predicted a possible sentence. I have specifically advised my
client that sentencing is left solely within the province of the Court.

My client fully understands that, for good cause shown, the Court may depart from the advisory guideline range or
impose a non-guideline sentence and, further, that probation is not available as a sentencing alternative in most cases
under advisory guideline sentencing. Also, my client fully understands that, whenever probation is a permissible
sentencing alternative, it is exclusively within the Court's discretion to grant or deny probation.

The plea of "GUILTY" offered by the defendant accords with my understanding of the facts (s)he related to me and
is consistent with my advice to the defendant.

In my opinion, the defendant's waiver of reading of the Indictment in open court as provided in Rule 10 is
voluntarily and understandingly made, and I recommend to the Court that the waiver be accepted by the Court.

In my opinion, the plea of "GUILTY" offered by the defendant in the petition is voluntarily and understandingly
made. I recommend that the Court accept the plea of "GUILTY.”

I have made no predictions or promises to the defendant concerning any sentence the Court may award, except as
noted in the space below:

None
I further represent to the Court that the defendant's plea of "GUILTY" is the result of a plea agreement. The
terms of the agreement are set out in the petition, and [ have informed the defendant that the Court is not bound by

the terms of the agreement, and that if the Court rejects the agreement, the Court will give him/her the opportunity to
withdraw his/her plea of "GUILTY.”

Signed by me in open court 1 presence of the defendant above-named and after full discussion of the contents of

this certificate with the defendant, thi¢8" day of December, 2021.

Keith A. Ward
Attorney for the Defendant

Petition to Enter Plea of Guilty and Order Entering Plea 6 CR-05 (8/12)
Case 4:21-cr-00239-GKF Document 77 Filed in USDC ND/OK on 12/07/21 Page 7 of 7

ORDER

I find that the plea of "GUILTY" was made by the defendant freely, voluntarily, and because (s)he is "GUILTY" as
charged, and not out of ignorance, fear, inadvertence, or coercion, and with full understanding of its consequences. I further
find that the defendant has admitted the essential elements of the crime(s) charged, that there is a factual basis for the pleas(s)
of "GUILTY," and that the defendant is mentally competent.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the defendant's plea(s) of "GUILTY" is accepted and entered as prayed for in

the petition and as recommended in the certificate of his/her attorney.
Billy YM on

Done in open court this 8th _day of December, 2021.
United States District Judge

Petition to Enter Plea of Guilty and Order Entering Plea T CR-05 (8/12)


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