Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson has announced the indictment of Irvin C. Francois, III, a 53-year-old resident of New Orleans, on charges related to fraud and money laundering under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The indictment was issued on June 20, 2025.
The CARES Act was enacted on March 27, 2020, providing emergency assistance to small business owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), administered by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA).
According to court documents, Francois allegedly made false statements to secure approximately $144,790 in PPP loan funds for his business around March 24, 2021. He is accused of using these funds to purchase an automobile from a dealership in Kenner, Louisiana.
Simpson emphasized that an indictment is merely a charge and that guilt must be established beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Francois could face up to five years in prison for making false statements and up to ten years for money laundering. Each count carries potential fines of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
The case was investigated by an agent from the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force. The PRAC aims to ensure transparency and oversight over federal COVID-19 spending exceeding $5 trillion. It includes agents from various Inspectors General who focus on detecting fraud across multiple programs.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation team involved in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera from the Financial Crimes Unit will lead the prosecution.
For more information about the Department of Justice’s response to pandemic-related fraud or if you have information regarding such allegations, visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus or contact their National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.
