LPR contributor in Atlanta, said Ellen Corkrum pleaded guilty in a Georgia court for defrauding the U.S. government of US$ 6 million under the Paycheck Protection Program meant to help small businesses stave off the economic impact of COVID-19.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, between April and June of 2020, 49-year-old Hunter VanPelt cka Ellen Corkrum submitted six fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans that would have netted her $7.9 million if fully funded, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). VanPelt pleaded guilty to bank fraud in the Northern District of Georgia on Wednesday.
She faces up to 30 years in prison, which will commence on January 4, 2022.
How come?
Although PPP funds are technically loans, they have been frequently targeted for fraud since they can be fully refundable—meaning they never have to be paid back.
The DOJ and law enforcement partners were able to seize and recover $2.1 million of the more than $6 million in fraudulent loans that were disbursed to VanPelt, while another $1.6 million was recovered by a bank and returned to the lender
In 2019, the administration George Weah dropped charges against madam Cockrum after former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf government indicted her of embezzling over $100,000.00 intended for work at the Robert international Airport.
She was head of the Airport Authority for over 2 years and was indicted for diverting thousands of dollars to a fake construction firm organized by her boyfriend.
She later escaped from Liberia and released several audio and video recordings on officials of the Sirleaf administration including sirleaf herself.
She since been in the center of controversies and corruption.
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