News

Mainer pleads guilty to cheating Paycheck Protection Program

Mainer pleads guilty to cheating Paycheck Protection Program

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) A Maine man pleaded guilty to submitting fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan applications for which he received more than $1 million, some of which was used for a down payment on a sailboat.

Mark X. Haley II, 42, of Rockport, used false employee and payroll information and submitted fraudulent documents to support his applications for businesses he controlled, federal prosecutors said. He entered his guilty plea on Wednesday and remains free while awaiting sentencing. He faces up to 30 years in prison.

Joleen Simpson, special agent in charge of the IRS criminal investigations office in Boston, said the case should serve as a “stark reminder” that criminals will be held accountable. The bogus PPP applications included misrepresented the number of employees, size of payroll, and intended use of the proceeds, prosecutors said.

“While many legitimate businesses used PPP loans to keep their businesses afloat, Mark Haley, motivated by personal greed, set his sails on a scheme to obtain lavish luxuries,” she said.

Paycheck Protection Program loans were designed to be forgivable loans for small businesses to help with job retention and other expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Latest Headlines

18 hours ago in Local

Person Rescued After Falling Through Ice in Winthrop

Police say the outcome could have been different without community support and proper training.

19 hours ago in Local

Police Subdue Man Waving Gun in Farmington Walmart Parking Lot

The incident took place just after 9:30 am Thursday.

20 hours ago in Local

$519 million supplemental budget heads to governor’s desk after passage in Maine Legislature

The governor's $519 million supplemental budget has passed and is now headed to her desk to be signed.

21 hours ago in Local

Portland police arrest man for 2017 killing

Portland police have arrested a man in connection with the 2017 killing of Sunao "Tom" Yamada.

21 hours ago in Local

Candidate for governor Jim Libby drops out of race after failing to qualify for clean election funding

Republican candidate for governor and State Sen. Jim Libby is dropping out of the race after failing to qualify for public campaign funding.