Utah Man Sentenced to 18 Months for $437K PPP Loan Fraud
Table of Contents
A Utah man was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), highlighting ongoing efforts to prosecute pandemic-related financial crimes. The sentencing, handed down on Thursday, underscores the government’s commitment to holding accountable those who exploited crucial aid programs intended to support businesses and workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PPP Loan Fraud Scheme Unveiled
Troy Campbell, 57, of Taylorsville, Utah, engaged in a scheme to illegally obtain $437,230 in PPP Loan proceeds. According to court documents, Campbell, as the registered agent and an owner of Salt IT Solutions LLC, fraudulently applied for and received the funds between July 2020 and February 2023. He subsequently transferred $75,000 of those funds to another individual involved in the fraudulent activity.
Campbell admitted to submitting a false application on behalf of Salt IT Solutions, falsely claiming a monthly payroll of $174,892.17 and a workforce of 22 employees. Supporting the application, he provided fabricated tax documents that inflated wage information and were never actually filed with the IRS. The funds were received via wire transfer after the fraudulent application was approved.
Justice Department Crackdown on Pandemic Fraud
U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow ordered Campbell to serve two years of supervised release following his imprisonment and to pay $437,230 in restitution to the victims of his crime. The case was jointly investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG).
“Mr. Campbell’s crimes impacted all taxpaying citizens and small business owners that legitimately needed pandemic-related assistance during a challenging time,” stated a senior official from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. “My office, along with our law enforcement partners are committed to bringing justice to those who exploited the pandemic for their personal gain.”
An SBA OIG representative emphasized the agency’s dedication to recovering stolen funds, stating, “This sentencing underscores SBA-OIG’s unwavering commitment to recovering stolen taxpayer dollars.”
A special agent in charge with the Salt Lake City FBI added, “Mr. Campbell enriched himself with money meant to keep Americans working during a national crisis. This sentence reflects the FBI’s commitment to uncovering fraud and ensuring that those who steal from the public are held accountable.”
Broader Efforts to Combat PPP Fraud
The case is part of a larger, nationwide effort by the Justice Department’s Fraud Section to prosecute individuals who defrauded the Paycheck Protection Program. Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases, seizing over $75 million in fraudulently obtained funds, along with real estate and luxury items.
More information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat COVID-19 fraud can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud.
