SBA COVID-19 PPP and EIDL Loans: SBA Ramps Up Audits and Investigations
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On August 5, 2025, federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment charging small business owner, Jabari Kadar Long, with conspiracy, wire fraud affecting a financial institution, and money laundering tied to fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)applications. Authorities allege Long and unnamed co-conspirators siphoned more than $3 million in COVID-relief funds by inflating payroll figures and the number of employees for his small business, “Priceless Preservations Construction.” Source:(Department of Justice)
The defendant is presumed innocent, yet his case adds to a growing wave of COVID-relief prosecutions—and a clear message from the Department of Justice (DOJ) that it intends to investigate, find and prosecute fraudulent borrowers and guarantors well into 2026 and beyond.
Our seasoned SBA Attorneys blend white-collar defense experience with knowledge of Paycheck Protection Program compliance, COVID EIDL regulations, and SBA administrative procedures. Whether you face a COVID EIDL Business Closure Review, an OHA case, or need a proactive compliance check-up, we marshal document reviews, conduct legal research and outline settlement strategies to protect your business and personal assets.
The Long indictment shows that “self-certified” COVID-relief loans are under a microscope—and mistakes can morph into criminal accusations of SBA loan fraud. Don’t wait for an information document request, an FBI target letter or federal subpoena to get your house in order. Schedule a confidential strategy session with our SBA loan defense team today to safeguard the future you worked so hard to build.
If you receive a “business closure review,” “post-funding compliance review,” or any sudden SBA document request:
Contact experienced SBA loan defense attorney immediately.
Our SBA Attorneys have guided thousands of small businesses through reviews, contested or negotiated debts assessed against owners, officers and guarantors, and litigated cases at the SBA Office of Hearings & Appeals (OHA) Court before presiding Administrative Law Judges (ALJs).
Schedule a confidential strategy session today → keep your success story from becoming the next SBA nightmare tale. If you believe your SBA COVID PPP or EIDL loan could be targeted for enforced collection, business closure review, audit, investigation or an AFCA claim, contact us at SBA-Attorneys.com for a confidential Case Evaluation.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified SBA-Attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.
Millions of Dollars in SBA Debts Resolved via Offer in Compromise and Negotiated Repayment Agreements without our Clients filing for Bankruptcy or Facing Home Foreclosure
Millions of Dollars in Treasury Debts Defended Against via AWG Hearings, Treasury Offset Program Resolution, Cross-servicing Disputes, Private Collection Agency Representation, Compromise Offers and Negotiated Repayment Agreements
Our Attorneys are Authorized by the Agency Practice Act to Represent Federal Debtors Nationwide before the SBA, The SBA Office of Hearings and Appeals, the Treasury Department, and the Bureau of Fiscal Service.
Clients personally guaranteed SBA 7(a) loan balance of over $300,000. Clients also pledged their homes as additional collateral. SBA OIC accepted $87,000 with the full lien release against the home.
Client’s small business obtained an SBA 7(a) loan for $150,000. He and his wife signed personal guarantees and pledged their home as collateral. The SBA loan went into default, the term or maturity date was accelerated and demand for payment of the entire amount claimed was made. The SBA lender’s note gave it the right to adjust the default interest rate from 7.25% to 18% per annum. The business filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but was dismissed after 3 years due to its inability to continue with payments under the plan. Clients wanted to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which would have been a mistake as their home had significant equity to repay the SBA loan balance in full as the Trustee would likely seize and sell the home to repay the secured and unsecured creditors. However, the SBA lender opted to pursue the SBA 7(a) Guaranty and subsequently assigned the loan and the right to enforce collection to the SBA. Clients then received the SBA Official 60-Day Notice and hired the Firm to respond to it and negotiate on their behalf. Clients disputed the SBA’s alleged balance of $148,000, as several payments made to the SBA lender during the Chapter 11 reorganization were not accounted for. To challenge the SBA’s claimed debt balance, the Firm Attorneys initiated expedited discovery to obtain government records. SBA records disclosed the true amount owed was about $97,000. Moreover, because the Clients’ home had significant equity, they were not eligible for an Offer in Compromise or an immediate Release of Lien for Consideration, despite being incorrectly advised by non-attorney consulting companies that they were. Instead, our Firm Attorneys recommended a Workout of $97,000 spread over a lengthy term and a waiver of the applicable interest rate making the monthly payment affordable. After back and forth negotiations, SBA approved the Workout proposal, thereby saving the home from imminent foreclosure and reducing the Clients' liability by nearly $81,000 in incorrect principal balance, accrued interest, and statutory collection fees.
Our firm successfully resolved an SBA COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) in the original amount of $150,000 for a Florida-based borrower. The loan, issued on June 4, 2020, was secured by business assets and potential personal liability through the SBA's Security Agreement.
Following the permanent closure of the business, we guided the client through the SBA’s Business Closure Review process and prepared a comprehensive collateral analysis. We negotiated directly with the SBA, obtaining a full release of the business collateral for $2,910 — satisfying the borrower’s obligations under the Security Agreement and eliminating any further enforcement risk against the pledged assets.
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