Federal Grand Jury Indicts Five Springfield Illinois Residents for Wire Fraud Related to COVID Relief Funds

Summary

A grand jury returned indictments against five Springfield, Illinois, residents on October 4, 2022, charging them with fraud related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) administered through the Small Business Administration. Sean Jackson, Richard Lawuary, Charles Walker III, Shawntelle Lynn, and Randi Lewis were each charged with two counts of wire fraud, and the indictments allege the offenses occurred in Sangamon County. Each of the individuals has been issued a summons to appear in federal court in Springfield for arraignment. If convicted, the maximum statutory penalties are a maximum of 20 years' imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and restitution. The release states that an indictment is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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Full text

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A grand jury returned indictments on October 4, 2022, against five Springfield, Illinois, residents, charging them with fraud related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) administered through the Small Business Administration (SBA). They are:
Sean Jackson, 32, was charged with two counts of wire fraud. The indictment alleges the offenses occurred in May and June of 2021 in Sangamon County, Illinois.
Richard Lawuary, 31, was charged with two counts of wire fraud. The indictment alleges the offenses occurred in May and June of 2021 in Sangamon County.
Charles Walker III, 31, was charged with two counts of wire fraud. The indictment alleges the offenses occurred in April of 2021 in Sangamon County. At the time of the indictment, Walker had been released on bond for pending unrelated federal charges.
Shawntelle Lynn, 31, was charged with two counts of wire fraud. The indictment alleges the offenses occurred in April and May of 2021 in Sangamon County. At the time of the indictment, Lynn had been released on bond pending unrelated federal charges.
Randi Lewis, 34; of Springfield, was charged with two counts of wire fraud. The indictment alleges the offenses occurred in March and April of 2021 in Sangamon County.
Each of the individuals has been issued a summons to appear in federal court in Springfield for arraignment. If convicted, the maximum statutory penalties for the alleged crimes charged are a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and restitution.
Agencies participating in the investigation include the United States Secret Service, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Springfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sierra Senor-Moore is representing the government in the prosecutions.
COVID-19 disaster relief and enhanced unemployment benefits are intended to help people and businesses suffering as a result of the pandemic. If members of the public suspect anyone fraudulently obtained or misused benefits, they should contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NDCF) Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or submit the NCDF Web Complaint Form. The NCDF is a national coordinating agency within the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division dedicated to improving the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of criminal conduct related to natural and man-made disasters and other emergencies, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19). Hotline staff will obtain information regarding complaints, which will then be reviewed by law enforcement officials. More information is available at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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