JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A former pastor of a Jacksonville church has been indicted on federal wire fraud charges related to an alleged scheme involving a COVID-19 small business relief fund, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors announced that Marcus Eichelberger, 46, faces four counts of wire fraud related to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans issued through the Small Business Administration. If convicted, each charge could carry up to 20 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, Eichelberger allegedly worked with another person from March 2021 to February 2022 to submit fraudulent PPP loan applications for businesses that were not eligible to receive the funds. The application reportedly certified that the money would be used for payroll and legitimate business expenses.
Authorities allege that the funds were kept for personal use after the loan was approved. Prosecutors also allege that the two later sought forgiveness of the loans, resulting in an estimated $50,000 loss to the federal government.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe said the case reflects continued efforts to crack down on fraud involving taxpayer-funded relief programs. Investigators from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General worked with other federal partners to uncover the alleged scheme.
Officials said the investigation also identified a connection between the pastor and a Department of Veterans Affairs employee involved in the incident.
The case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Swaney. Federal officials emphasized that the indictment is only a formal accusation and that Mr. Eichelberger is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
