ATLANTA – Johnny Narcisse, 46, of Atlanta, and his cousin Johnson Dieujuste, 37, of Loganville, have been sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that defrauded more than $2 million from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs.
On January 26, 2025, U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross sentenced Narcisse to two years and four months in prison and ordered him to pay $2,000,332 in restitution. Dieujuste, who was sentenced earlier on January 8, 2025, received a sentence of two years and eight months in prison, with an order to pay $2,081,559 in restitution.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the two men masterminded a scheme that targeted small businesses applying for pandemic relief. Narcisse and Dieujuste recruited business owners, obtained their details, and submitted fraudulent loan applications. They fabricated business and financial information to qualify for the loans, which were meant to provide relief to struggling small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Once the loans were approved, the pair demanded a percentage of the disbursed funds back from the borrowers. The fraudulent activities led to the approval of dozens of fake loans, totaling more than $2 million in disbursements.
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Narcisse’s home in Georgia in July 2021, where they uncovered crucial evidence. Narcisse’s phone and computer contained records of the fraudulent activity, including documents implicating him and Dieujuste in submitting false loan applications.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. expressed his disapproval, stating, “These defendants brazenly stole funds from programs designed to help individuals and businesses suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Both Narcisse and Dieujuste were held accountable for exploiting government relief programs during a time when many businesses were struggling. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the seriousness of financial fraud, especially when it takes advantage of pandemic relief funds meant for those in need.
Law enforcement agencies worked together to identify and investigate the defendants, ultimately leading to their prosecution and conviction.
“This case highlights the importance of holding accountable those who exploit government programs for their personal gain, particularly in times of national crisis,” said Moultrie.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to send a strong message that those who exploit relief programs will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.