Scott Allen Maples, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 18 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Maples to pay $684,034 in restitution to the Small Business Administration.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Kingdom City, Mo., business owner was sentenced in federal court today for fraudulently receiving more than $673,000 in loans for several businesses under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
After submitting five fraudulent loan applications, Maples received a total of $673,127.04 in loan proceeds.
On Feb. 7, 2023, Maples pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. Maples admitted that he fraudulently applied for and received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for several businesses. When Maples applied for PPP loans, he reported exaggerated and inaccurate payroll expenses and submitted fabricated and altered bank statements and tax forms. Under the CARES Act, both the principal and interest on those loans were eligible for forgiveness if the loan money was spent for permissible expenses (such as payroll, mortgage interest, rent and utilities) and a requisite portion of the loan went towards payroll expenses.
Maples also received a $51,750 PPP loan for Maples Enterprises through Square. In the loan application, Maples indicated that there were six employees earning a total of $20,700 per month on average. In reality, Department of Labor records reflected that there was only one employee earning $182.50 in the first quarter of 2019. Another business, Clearance Depot, received a $270,632 PPP loan. Maples submitted statements in support of this loan that were later found to be altered and incorrect.
Maples admitted that he submitted a loan application to Square, Inc., a company authorized to issue PPP loans, on May 6, 2020, on behalf of Area 23, LLC, claiming 21 employees and an average monthly payroll of $69,548. Maples submitted fabricated documents to support the loan application. He received a $173,872 loan. Maples also submitted a loan application to US Bank on May 15, 2020, for the same business, Area 23, making the same claims of employees and payroll and again including fabricated documents to support the loan application. Maples again received a $173,872 loan.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Kummerer. It was investigated by the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the FDIC Office of Inspector General, and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Maples also submitted an application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan seeking $30,000. This loan also contained suspected misrepresentations that overstated the prior year’s revenues. Maples received a $3,000 advance on this loan, but the loan that he sought was not issued.
- Armed Robbery on Q Train in Brooklyn
Brooklyn, NY - On Saturday, June 1, 2024, at approximately 5:17 PM, a 17-year-old was robbed at gunpoint while aboard a northbound "Q" train. The incident occurred as the train approached the West 8 Street station.
According to police reports, an unidentified male displayed a firearm and, upon reaching the Ocean Parkway station, forcibly took the victim's backpack before fleeing the train. Fortunately, the victim was not injured during the incident.
The suspect is described as a male with a medium complexion, believed to be in his late teens or early 20s. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident or the suspect's identity to come forward.
The investigation is ongoing as police work to apprehend the individual responsible for this armed robbery.
- NYPD Seeking Train Chain Snatcher
New York, NY - The New York City Police Department is requesting the public's assistance in identifying an individual wanted in connection with a grand larceny that took place within the confines of the 41st Precinct/Transit District 12.
According to police reports, on Wednesday, June 12, at approximately 11:35 PM, a 36-year-old male was on the northbound "6" line platform at the Hunts Point Avenue subway station when an unidentified male approached him and snatched a chain from his neck. The suspect then exited the station and fled in an unknown direction. The victim sustained a laceration to his neck but refused medical treatment.
The police have released an image of the suspect and are asking anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the individual to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the NYPD. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to locate and apprehend the suspect involved in this incident.
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- Baltimore Man Wins $500,000 Lottery Jackpot, Plans for Retirement
A Baltimore resident has become the fourth person in Maryland to win a Multi-Match jackpot in 2024, taking home a substantial $500,000 prize. After securing his winnings on June 3, the lucky player shared his plans for the money, prioritizing savings for retirement.
Multi-Match, the Lottery’s in-state, twice-weekly game, offers better odds than multistate games, contributing to its popularity among Marylanders. This game starts with a jackpot that grows with each draw until a winner matches all six numbers. With each $2 ticket offering three sets of six numbers, the odds of hitting the jackpot are approximately 1 in 2 million.
The winner, who purchased his ticket at the Royal Farms located at 930 Cromwell Park Drive in Glen Burnie, expressed a thoughtful approach to his newfound wealth. "It’s going into savings for retirement," he stated. "I’m going to let it start to work for me."
In addition to bolstering his retirement funds, the winner is committed to giving back to the community. He plans to donate a portion of his winnings to various charities, including those supporting ALS research, feeding the hungry, a children's hospital, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). He also mentioned setting aside some funds for travel and a celebratory dinner.
Royal Farms, the retailer that sold the winning ticket, will receive a $1,000 bonus from the Lottery for its role in this lucky event. The jackpot win adds to a series of successes in Maryland, with previous 2024 winners hailing from Adelphi, Belcamp, and another from Baltimore.
- Boston Police Capture Fugitive Wanted for 2019 Stabbing
Boston, MA - Adilson Tavares, 29, of Mattapan, was arrested by the Boston Police Youth Violence Strike Force (YVSF) on Saturday, after being located in Denis Street Park, Roxbury. Tavares, previously charged in relation to a nonfatal stabbing in 2019, had fled the country following his indictment and had two outstanding warrants issued for his arrest.
At approximately 12:05 PM, officers were patrolling near Howard Street and Dewey Street when they recognized Tavares driving a motorized scooter. Broadcasting his direction and description, officers initiated a search. About 10 minutes later, they spotted a group of people at Denis Street Park, with the scooter leaning against a fence.
Backup was called, and additional officers surrounded the area to prevent Tavares from fleeing. Upon entering the park, Tavares attempted to escape on his scooter but was apprehended after a brief struggle. A firearm was recovered from a fanny pack strapped to Tavares' chest.
The firearm was identified as a black semi-automatic 9 mm Bersa "Thunder 9 Ultra Compact Pro" with a fully loaded 13-round magazine and an additional round in the chamber.
Tavares is set to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court on outstanding warrants for Armed Assault with Intent to Murder, Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon Causing Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault and Battery. He also faces new charges, including Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm, Carrying a Loaded Firearm, and Resisting Arrest.
- Tornado Confirmed in New Jersey by National Weather Service
MERCER COUNTY, NJ — A landspout tornado with peak winds of 80 mph swept through Lawrence Township in Mercer County on Friday afternoon as severe thunderstorms lashed the state with heavy rain and strong winds.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that the tornado formed near a Conoco gas station in Lawrence Township and lasted from 5:59 PM to 6:00 PM. The tornado traveled a path of approximately 229 yards with a maximum width of 60 yards.
The NWS storm survey revealed that the tornado caused significant damage, snapping and uprooting several trees and flipping about a half dozen vehicles. The twister also damaged the gas station, where trees fell onto the service station, and snapped a large sign.
The tornado continued its brief but destructive journey to a nearby post office, where it overturned multiple cars in the parking lot. Despite the damage, no injuries were reported.
The tornado’s path was measured at 0.13 miles long, highlighting the intensity and concentrated impact of the storm.
- North Tonawanda Police Seek Owner of Found Border Collie
North Tonawanda, NY - The North Tonawanda Police Department is seeking the public's help in locating the owner of a friendly black and white Border Collie. The dog was found yesterday on Payne Avenue in North Tonawanda.
Anyone who recognizes the dog or knows its owner is urged to contact the North Tonawanda Dog Control Officer at 716-909-3091 or the North Tonawanda Police Department at 716-692-4111. The police department hopes to quickly reunite the dog with its rightful owner.