Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a South Holland, Illinois woman alleging she fraudulently received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster loans, totaling approximately $28,000.
The Attorney General’s office charged Jasmine C. Combs, 28, Tuesday in Cook County Circuit Court with two Class 2 felony counts of theft, each punishable by up to seven years in prison; 10 Class 3 felony counts of forgery, each punishable by up to five years in prison; and three Class 4 felony counts of income tax fraud, each punishable by up to three years in prison.
Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Combs’ next court date is June 9, 2025.
“Paycheck Protection Program loans were a lifeline for many Illinois residents and small businesses, which sustained so many of our communities when we needed them the most during the pandemic,” Raoul said. “I am committed to holding accountable those who used the pandemic to steal from their communities and the state of Illinois.”
Raoul’s office alleges Combs submitted fraudulent applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and PPP loans, collecting approximately $28,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. These charges are the most recent action Attorney General Raoul has taken to hold individuals accountable for fraudulently collecting government assistance related to the pandemic. Raoul’s office has prosecuted a number of individuals for PPP loan fraud and referred other investigations to the appropriate state’s attorneys for further evaluation.
The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Deputy Chief Megan McGuire Bachman, with Raoul’s Criminal Prosecutions and Trials Assistance Bureau, is prosecuting the case.
