Dacula woman charged in COVID-19 small business relief funding scheme

A Dacula woman has been charged in a federal indictment for her part in a $2 million COVID-19 small business scheme.

 

Ashlee Parker, 39, filled out dozens fraudulent applications in her name for her businesses and others.

 

Parker owns Proficient Tax LLC, The Harris Parker Group LLC and AMP Credit Solutions LLC. 

 

Between May 2020 and April 2021, Parker submitted two dozen Economic Injury Disaster Loans on behalf of The Harris Parker Group LLC, AMP Credit Solutions LLC and other companies.

 

According to the United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Georgia, co-conspirators also paid Parker’s Proficient Tax LLC business in exchange for her help in submitting EIDL applications and Paycheck Protection Program funding.

 

Parker allegedly used $13,955 out of the $2 million fraudulent proceeds on plastic surgery procedures. 

 

“The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was funded to help small businesses struggling from the effects of a global pandemic,” U.S. Attorney David H. Estes said in a statement. “In far too many cases, however, it has been exploited by those seeking to milk these relief programs for their personal profit. With our diligent law enforcement partners, we will continue to identify and hold accountable anyone who violates the law to siphon money from these programs.”

 

Parker is charged with the following: conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, seven counts of wire fraud, false document, money laundering conspiracy and false statement.

 

If convicted on the primary charge, she could spend up to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Parker would also be required to pay the United States government substantial financial penalties and restitution.

 

The FBI and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan A. Porter and Ryan C. Grover are prosecuting the case.