A Henderson man faces federal fraud charges over $1.6M in COVID-19 loans

$1.6M in relief loans ill-gotten, they allege

A Henderson man was indicted on federal fraud charges after prosecutors said he illegally obtained more than $1.6 million in COVID-19 loans.

Bryan Robinson, 37, was charged with two counts of wire fraud and one count of engaging in transactions in unlawful proceeds, after he obtained money through applications with the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan, according to the Department of Justice.

Prosecutors said Robinson “perpetrated a scheme” to submit fraudulent applications through the Small Business Administration and a financial technology company.

The loans are guaranteed for relief under the CARES Act, which allows for up to $2 million for eligible small businesses.

Robinson submitted two applications for Ateam LLC, a dance company that he reported had 37 employees, “significant payroll expenses and substantial revenue,” according to a DOJ news release. “But Ateam in fact was a dance company and did not pay any wages.

According to a criminal complaint, Robinson also stated that he had not been convicted of a felony, but he was serving probation for a 2018 drug conviction in Wyoming.

Robinson never used the money for payroll, instead paying for personal expenses and transferring the money to other business, the release states.

Robinson’s attorney, Dustin Marcello, disputed the allegations.

“Mr. Robinson maintains that his actions in relation to obtaining a PPP loan were appropriate and in compliance with the rules at the time,” Marcello said. “He looks forward to proving his innocence.”