Travis Lee Harris has been sentenced to federal prison for wire fraud related to his fraudulent acquisition of a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan amounting to nearly $1,000,000 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Harris falsified a loan application to obtain PPP funds for his business that he then blatantly used to fund a lavish lifestyle,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Harris has now been held accountable for his crime. Our office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute anyone who defrauds taxpayers out of COVID-19 pandemic relief funds.”
“Fraudulent exploitation of SBA’s pandemic relief programs diverts critical resources from the small businesses that truly need them,” said Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, Special Agent in Charge of the SBA OIG’s Eastern Region. “Our office is committed to protecting taxpayer funds and ensuring that individuals who attempt to defraud SBA programs are brought to justice. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s office and our law enforcement partners for their collaboration and dedication to justice in this case.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: In June 2020, Travis Harris, a former NFL player, signed a PPP loan application for his business, Atlanta Luxury Cars & Trucks LLC, in the amount of $968,405. Harris provided fraudulent information on his application about the number of employees, payroll, and revenue for the business. Based on Harris’ fraudulent representations, the lender deposited $968,405 into the bank account for Atlanta Luxury Cars & Trucks LLC. Harris soon began transferring the PPP loan funds into his personal bank accounts. In the following months, Harris posted pictures on social media showing him holding a large stack of cash, buying a Rolex watch and other jewelry, and renting a room at a luxury hotel. He also used part of the PPP loan funds to finance other start-up businesses.
Travis Lee Harris, 43, of Atlanta, Georgia was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Victoria M. Calvert to one year and four months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution amounting to $997,457.15. Harris was convicted on these charges on February 14, 2024 after pleading guilty.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S Attorneys Thomas M Forsyth III and Alison B Prout prosecuted this case.
On May 17 2021,the Attorney General established The COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force marshal resources Department Justice partnership agencies across government enhance efforts combat prevent pandemic-related fraud Task Force bolsters efforts investigate prosecute most culpable domestic international criminal actors assists agencies tasked administering relief programs prevent fraud among other methods augmenting incorporating existing coordination mechanisms identifying resources techniques uncover fraudulent actors schemes sharing harnessing information insights gained prior enforcement efforts For more information Department response pandemic please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus
Anyone with information about allegations attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it calling Department Justice National Center Disaster Fraud NCDF Hotline 866-720-5721 via NCDF Web Complaint Form https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
For further information please contact US Attorney Public Affairs Office USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404)581-6016 Internet address US Attorney Office Northern District Georgia http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga
