Great Lakes Wire

May 3 2024

LANSING – Tiesha Johnson, a former investigator for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, will stand trial in the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County on charges of fraudulently obtaining Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the federal government, as announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Johnson, 56, waived her right to a preliminary examination earlier this week and was bound over for trial after being arrested in Dallas, TX, pursuant to warrants from the Department of Attorney General and transported back to Michigan for arraignment in December 2023.

The case dates back to July 2022 when the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General referred the matter to the Michigan Department of Attorney General for investigation into potential federal loan fraud. It is alleged that Johnson fraudulently obtained two PPP loans and one EID Loan totaling $34,675 while still a federal employee. These loans were intended to assist businesses with covering payroll expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel emphasized the importance of these programs, stating, "These federal loan programs were meant to keep businesses afloat amid the international pandemic." She further added, "Defrauding your country, your neighbors, and your fellow Americans during a time of global crisis for your own financial gain cannot be tolerated."

Johnson is facing three counts of False Pretenses, $1,000-$20,000, with each offense carrying a five-year felony charge.

The defendant will appear before Judge Michael Warren in the 6th Circuit Court on May 8th at 1 p.m.

Please note: For all criminal proceedings, a criminal charge is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos.