A New Orleans resident has pleaded guilty to charges related to fraud and money laundering involving federal COVID-19 relief funds. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that Irvin C. Francois, III, age 54, entered his plea on September 23, 2025 before United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey.
According to court documents, Francois submitted false information to an approved lender in March 2021 in order to secure a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan of approximately $144,790 for a business he owned. The PPP was one of the main sources of emergency funding for small businesses under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which was signed into law on March 27, 2020.
After receiving the funds through fraudulent means, Francois used the money to purchase an automobile from a dealership in Kenner, Louisiana.
Francois is scheduled for sentencing on January 6, 2026. He faces up to five years in prison for making false statements and up to ten years for money laundering. Each charge also carries potential fines of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The case was investigated by an agent assigned to the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force. The PRAC coordinates oversight of federal COVID-19 spending and investigates fraud across various programs such as the PPP by bringing together agents from multiple Inspectors General.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson stated: “Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General (a member of the PRAC) and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation in investigating this matter.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera from the Financial Crimes Unit is leading the prosecution.
More information about efforts against pandemic-related fraud can be found at https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Reports about suspected COVID-19 fraud can be made via phone or online at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
