9 Arizonans accused of fraudulently collecting $23 million in PPP loans

PHOENIX — Nine Arizonans were accused of fraudulently obtaining about $23 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans over the period of one year, authorities said.

The accused have already faced federal grand jury indictments and are alleged to have used the funds to purchase vehicles, properties and other expensive items, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

Indictments allege those involved in the scheme submitted or helped submit PPP loan applications for 18 companies that sought loans between $100,000 to $2.2 million for each company, according to court documents.

A Mesa couple, 40-year-old Jason Coleman and 38-year-old Kimberly Coleman, were accused of submitting about two dozen false and fraudulent PPP loan applications in an attempt to get more than $30 million in funds.

Ten of the applications went through for the Coleman’s, earning them $13 million in PPP funds, the release said.

Seven others from Phoenix and Peoria conspired to submit fraudulent loans and got more than $10 million.

The FBI, the IRS and Homeland Security Investigation are handling the prosecution.

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