DOJ: Wichita business owner indicted for Covid-era loan fraud

• DeLeon is accused of falsifying gross sales and employee numbers to secure $9,300 and $20,832 in PPP loans and loan forgiveness.
• The SBA-OIG is investigating the case, which centers on pandemic-era financial assistance fraud.

A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, indicted Christina Marie DeLeon, owner of 'Wicks Before Dicks', on two counts of wire fraud for allegedly submitting fictitious information to the Small Business Administration to receive Paycheck Protection Program loans. The indictment claims she falsified gross sales and employee numbers in applications submitted in April 2020 and January 2022.

DeLeon is also accused of submitting false information to obtain loan forgiveness for the PPP loans totaling $9,300 and $20,832. The Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General is investigating, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Oakley is prosecuting the case.

• $9,300 First PPP loan amount
• $20,832 Second PPP loan amount

• Review PPP loan applications for 'Wicks Before Dicks' for discrepancies in gross sales and employee numbers.
• Verify all SBA loan forgiveness documentation submitted by Christina Marie DeLeon for accuracy.
• Monitor SBA-OIG investigation updates related to this wire fraud indictment.

This case highlights the importance of rigorous due diligence and verification processes for pandemic-era financial assistance programs such as the PPP. Compliance officers must ensure that all information submitted in support of loan and forgiveness applications is accurate and supported by documentation, as fraudulent submissions can lead to criminal charges and undermine the integrity of government relief efforts. The ongoing SBA-OIG investigation underscores the heightened scrutiny on Covid-19 relief fraud.