CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – A Bridgeport resident has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for wire fraud related to the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program.
James Nolte, 52, fraudulently applied for and received the payments totaling $645,717 on behalf of PGO Veterans Services, PG Health, RJS Catering and Dental Care Plus. Nolte then asked for and received forgiveness for the loans tell federal officials he used the money for payroll. Reports indicate the money was actually spent on personal expenses.
In addition to 21 months in federal prison, Nolte was also ordered to pay $684,154.44 to the Small Business Administration that includes initial loan amounts and interest prior to forgiveness.
COVID fraud can be reported via email to wvfraud@fbi.gov, or by telephone to 304-234-0100.