A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer has been arrested for allegedly obtaining nearly $150,000 in fraudulent COVID-19 relief loans for two sham businesses.
The situation: The officer, Amer Aldarawsheh, 45, from Moreno Valley, was taken into custody on April 23. He's facing five counts of wire fraud for misusing the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program funds.
- Officials say Aldarawsheh claimed Nahar Enterprises was a trucking and freight company and that Ameral was an auto repair shop, but neither had significant business activity.
- He allegedly transferred $149,900 of the funds for personal use. This activity spanned from July 2020 to December 2021.
The response: Authorities, including the FBI and SBA Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation, resulting in charges being filed, as reported by the Department of Justice.
What's next: Aldarawsheh pleaded not guilty and was released on a $30,000 bond. A court date is set for June 16, where he faces up to 20 years in prison on each count, if convicted.