Indianapolis Resident Pleads Guilty to Preparing and Submitting Fraudulent COVID-19 Relief Loan Applications

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Antranette Echols, 57, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States Senior District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Echols prepared and submitted for borrowers falsified COVID-19 pandemic relief loan applications, for which she took a fee. Some of the borrowers were located in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for August 16, 2024. The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Echols.