December 15th 2024.
Quentin Jackson, a 58-year-old former basketball player for NC State and the Harlem Globetrotters, found himself in hot water when he was sentenced to a seven-year prison term on December 13th. This came after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with fraudulent proceeds from the Paycheck Protection Act, which was established during the pandemic to provide financial assistance to struggling businesses.
According to a report from ABC 11, Jackson was involved in a scheme with two other individuals, Edward Whitaker and Lamont Taylor, to obtain fraudulent PPP loans. These loans were meant to help small businesses, but Jackson and his co-conspirators took advantage of the situation for their own personal gain.
Donald Eakins, the Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in the Charlotte Field Office, expressed his disapproval of such schemes, stating that it is unacceptable to exploit federal funds meant for struggling businesses. He also made it clear that they will continue to pursue individuals who try to take advantage of relief programs for their own benefit.
The Justice Department's press release revealed that Jackson used his influence to secure fraudulent PPP loans for others in the names of companies under his control. He then manipulated the books to make it appear as though he was paying his employees, but in reality, he instructed them to cash the checks and bring the money back to him.
Furthermore, the Justice Department found that Jackson had set up a lucrative scheme for himself, earning a fee for each fraudulent borrower he recruited. In total, nearly $4 million in fraudulent PPP funds were awarded to Jackson and those he recruited.
U.S Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Michael F. Easley, made a statement about Jackson's actions, stating that he deserved to face the consequences for his actions. He also pointed out the disappointment in seeing a respected basketball star using his talents and reputation to deceive and defraud others.
"As a college point guard and Harlem Globetrotter, Jackson's skills were unmatched, but he crossed the line when he used his influence to recruit people into a multi-million-dollar fraud on our nation's pandemic relief program," Easley said. "This seven-year prison sentence should serve as a warning to anyone who tried to take advantage of the generosity of our nation during a time of need. We will not tolerate such behavior and will use every resource available to bring these individuals to justice."
This case serves as a reminder that even those we idolize can fall prey to greed and deception. It also highlights the perseverance and determination of law enforcement to hold individuals accountable for their actions, no matter how long it takes. Let this be a lesson to anyone who thinks they can get away with exploiting a crisis for their own personal gain.
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