The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Charles Lacona, Jr., 67, formerly of Colorado Springs, was found guilty by a federal jury on two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering related to fraudulent COVID-19-related funds he received through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
According to the facts established at trial, between April 2020 and April 2021, Lacona devised and participated in a scheme to defraud a lender of $513,732.50 in PPP loans. Lacona inflated payroll costs and gross receipts, made false statements and certifications, and submitted fabricated tax documents and payroll reports.
During that same period, Lacona unsuccessfully applied for additional emergency government assistance through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Lacona used some of the fraudulently obtained funds to purchase a Cadillac CT6 for $67,704.13.
“This is another case of someone using for personal gain a program meant to help people suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch. “I want the public to know that we are aggressively prosecuting people who stole from this relief program.”
“These federal programs were designed to help families and small businesses facing financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tom Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office. “Through our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to aggressively pursue individuals who attempt to exploit federal relief programs for their personal benefit.”
Sentencing will be held at a later date.
