The USAO-KS Joins DOJ Fraud Division, SBA, and SBA OIG in COVID-Era Loan Takedown Exceeding $245 Million in Fraud
- Issuer
- U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Kansas
- Document type
- Press release
- Date
- 2026-09-14
Press release — The USAO-KS Joins DOJ Fraud Division, SBA, and SBA OIG in COVID-Era Loan Takedown Exceeding $245 Million in Fraud, dated 2026-09-14, issued by U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Kansas.
Full text
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Kansas (USAO-KS) today announced indictments as part of a nationwide enforcement action led by the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Small Business Administration, and the SBA Office of Inspector General targeting fraud in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). USAO-KS was a key participant in this surge effort. From June 12 to September 1, federal prosecutors across the country facilitated fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants, including approximately 80 newly charged defendants, reaching approximately $245 million in intended loss to American taxpayers. “Over the years we have convicted schemers who illegally secured PPP loans then went on shopping sprees on the federal government’s dime, but we’re not done. The Justice Department has a very long memory, and the statute of limitations has been extended for this type of fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “To those who lied on applications and haven’t yet had the law show up at your door, don’t be surprised when we come knocking with an arrest warrant in hand.” “Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns—not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications— but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” In the District of Kansas, U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser announced that four defendants, including a husband and wife, have been charged with PPP-related fraud involving approximately $182,000 in alleged losses. According to the indictments: • Greg Wegenka, 74, of Wakarusa, is accused of providing false IRS documents to receive a PPP loan for a small business then allegedly using loan proceeds for impermissible purposes. Loss: $29,000 Maximum Sentence If Convicted: 20 years in prison • Laurie Wegenka, 66, of Wakarusa, is accused of applying for and receiving PPP loans for a small business using false IRS forms. Loss: $115,000 Maximum Sentence If Convicted: 20 years in prison • Vanesha Whisonant, 25, of Kansas City, Kansas, is accused of receiving a PPP loan for a home-based business after allegedly filing an application with false information about the number of employees and payroll. Loss: $18,000 Maximum Sentence If Convicted: 20 years in prison • Dominic Williams, 35, of Kansas City, Kansas, is accused of receiving a PPP by falsely claiming to be a sole proprietor business with $100K in proceeds and allegedly submitting false bank statements to receive loans and to receive loan forgiveness. Loss: $20,832 Maximum Sentence If Convicted: 20 years in prison These case are being investigated by the Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General (SBA- OIG) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Oakley. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###
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- doj-usao-ks-press-release-usao-ks-joins-doj-fraud-division-sba-and-sba-oig-covid-era-loan-2026-09-14.json
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- e2a71bd2907cce47225af630627c0cce853259aa3b71a29f8d03b10858c431e9
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