ST. LOUIS, Missouri — A man from St. Louis County has pleaded guilty to defrauding federal pandemic relief programs and the Social Security Administration of more than $637,000, according to federal prosecutors.
The defendant, Preston Randall, 62, entered his plea Monday in federal court, admitting to multiple fraud-related charges tied to COVID-19 relief funds.
Multiple Fraud Charges Filed
Randall pleaded guilty to:
- Five counts of wire fraud
- Two counts of theft of government property
- One count of concealing information from the Social Security Administration
The case was heard in U.S. District Court in St. Louis.
Fraudulent Pandemic Loan Applications
According to court records, Randall submitted multiple fraudulent applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)—a program designed to support businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prosecutors said he:
- Used different business names
- Exaggerated revenue and employee numbers
- Attempted to secure more than $8.5 million in total funding
Authorities confirmed he ultimately received approximately $620,000 through the scheme.
Additional Social Security Fraud
In addition to the loan fraud, Randall admitted to illegally collecting $17,906 in Social Security disability benefits.
Investigators said he:
- Failed to report income obtained through fraudulent loans
- Concealed ownership of five vehicles and a home valued at about $500,000 near Florissant
Sentencing Pending
Randall now faces potential penalties under federal law, though a sentencing date has not yet been announced.
Authorities continue to crack down on fraud tied to pandemic relief programs, which were widely targeted for abuse during the height of COVID-19 economic assistance efforts.