Christopher A. Mazzei, 46, and Erin V. Mazzei, 43, of Arroyo Grande, California, were sentenced for defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), receiving sentences of 36 and 27 months in federal prison, respectively.
The couple submitted fraudulent applications for PPP loans to multiple banks, using fabricated IRS tax returns and payroll records to secure $1,365,000 in funds. They spent the stolen money on personal expenses, including vehicles, a home in Kapolei, and a promotional trailer for a television project.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office condemned their actions, affirming the sentences as fitting for their attempts to exploit pandemic relief intended for struggling businesses.