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Las Vegas, NV – A Las Vegas businessman has been sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison for a brazen scheme to defraud COVID-19 relief programs out of more than $11 million. The funds, intended to provide crucial assistance to struggling businesses during the pandemic, were instead used to fuel a lavish lifestyle, according to court documents.

Jason Harrison, the convicted businessman, applied for and received multiple Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) grants under the names of shell companies he controlled. These companies, often lacking any genuine business operations, were falsely represented as viable businesses needing financial support. Harrison submitted falsified payroll records and other misleading information to secure the loans.

The sheer scale of the fraud is staggering. Harrison’s scheme involved a complex web of deceit, diverting the millions of dollars into personal accounts. This money was then used to finance an extravagant lifestyle, including luxury vehicles, high-end jewelry, and lavish vacations. Investigators meticulously tracked the flow of funds, uncovering the elaborate scheme and the extent of Harrison’s personal enrichment at the expense of legitimate businesses and the American public.

“This case exemplifies the worst kind of pandemic fraud,” stated U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada, Andrew Bennett. “Harrison exploited a program designed to help struggling businesses for his own personal gain, demonstrating a callous disregard for the economic hardships faced by others.”

The judge, during sentencing, emphasized the severity of Harrison’s crimes and the need to deter others from engaging in similar fraudulent activities. The 15-year sentence reflects the significant financial loss caused by the scheme and the betrayal of public trust. Harrison also faces restitution, meaning he will be required to repay the stolen funds.

The Department of Justice has been aggressively pursuing pandemic fraud cases nationwide, recovering billions of dollars in stolen funds and prosecuting those who sought to exploit the crisis. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of attempting to profit from the suffering of others and the commitment of law enforcement to holding accountable those who engage in such criminal behavior. The investigation involved the Small Business Administration's Office of Inspector General and the FBI.

This verdict and sentencing should send a clear message: abusing government programs for personal enrichment will not be tolerated. The justice system will relentlessly pursue and prosecute those who attempt to defraud the public and undermine the integrity of vital relief programs.