MESA, Ariz. — A Mesa couple has been sentenced to federal prison for fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds and spending the money on luxurious items.
Kimberly Coleman, 39, was sentenced last month to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to bank fraud. Her husband, Jason Coleman, was sentenced to five years in prison.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office of Arizona, the East Valley couple attempted to collect up to $30 million in loans administered through the Paycheck Protection Program, a federal benefit intended to help businesses stay afloat during the pandemic.
The Colemans ended up receiving about $13 million through the fraudulent applications they submitted. Prosecutors said the couple spent the money on luxurious cars, real estate, high-end retail items, jewelry, and a vacation.
Two other Valley residents have also been sentenced to prison for PPP fraud.
Sean Swaringer, 57, of Peoria was sentenced recently to over 121 months in prison and Willie Mitchell, 41, of Phoenix was sentenced to eight years.
All four defendants will spend five years on supervised release after they complete their prison sentences.
Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story mistakenly listed Kimberly Coleman's prison sentence as 12 years instead of 10.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Una pareja de Mesa es sentenciada a prisión por obtener de manera fraudulenta $13 millones en préstamos
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ADOT's suggestions include:
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