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The $14 Million Fraud: How Darren Carlyle Sadler Turned Pandemic Relief Into Personal Luxury
In the summer of 2020, while small businesses across America struggled to survive the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Darren Carlyle Sadler was living a very different reality. The 38-year-old Costa Mesa businessman had discovered what he believed was the perfect opportunity hidden within the chaos of the federal government's rushed response to the crisis.
Staff Writer
Jul 53 min read


Ex-TV Anchor Stephanie Hockridge Convicted in Multimillion-Dollar PPP Fraud Scheme
Stephanie Hockridge and her husband, Nathan Reis, co-founded Blueacorn in April 2020 at the height of the pandemic panic. The platform was positioned as a rapid-response solution for distributing PPP funds to small businesses locked out of traditional banking channels. But according to federal prosecutors, Blueacorn became a machine of fraud, processing over $12.5 billion in loans while implementing virtually no guardrails to prevent abuse.
Staff Writer
Jun 233 min read


PPP Fraud Enforcement Update: Recent Convictions Signal Ongoing Federal Crackdown
Federal prosecutors continue their aggressive pursuit of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud, with two recent high-profile convictions demonstrating that the Department of Justice remains committed to holding fraudsters accountable nearly five years after the pandemic began.
Staff Writer
Jun 114 min read


Stephanie Hockridge: From News Anchor to PPP Fraud Trial, Inside the Blueacorn Scandal
Stephanie Hockridge, once a familiar face as a Phoenix news anchor, now stands at the center of one of the most significant fraud cases to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside her husband, Nathan (Nick) Reis, Hockridge is set to stand trial for alleged wire fraud and conspiracy related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a federal initiative designed to help small businesses survive the economic fallout of the pandemic.
Staff Writer
May 243 min read


Ex-Eagles RB Faces 50 Years for Alleged COVID-19 Loan Schemes
Smallwood, who was part of the Eagles' Super Bowl-winning team, is accused of submitting fraudulent applications to both the Economic...
Staff Writer
Nov 24, 20241 min read


The SBA Loan Nightmare: Joseph Carpenter's Story
They put the burden of proof on the person they're accusing of having the loan.
Staff Writer
Aug 26, 20243 min read


Winter Is Here
Now here we are over 2 and a half years after the program rolled out and tens of billions are assumed as fraud with much of it likely never
Shane Mahabir
Dec 22, 20222 min read


Winter Is Coming For PPP Fraudsters
Here's why there are more troubled times ahead for those who took out PPP loans under fraudulent circumstances.
Shane Mahabir
Mar 28, 20222 min read


PPP Helped But Rife With Fraud
Media reports of criminal complaints and arrests have picked up pace in the last month or so.
Shane Mahabir
Sep 15, 20208 min read
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