Lewisville man alleged kingpin in $3.5 million fraud scheme

Nineteen individuals, many from North Texas, have been indicted on allegations they participated in a scheme to defraud lenders and a paycheck protection program out of $3.5 million.

Of the group, 18 have been arrested or summoned for an appearance before a federal judge magistrate. The following individuals are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud:

Andrew Charles Moran, 43, Lewisville
Michael Lewayne Hill, aka “Tank,” 47, Mineral Wells
Ty Alan Burkhart, 34, Frisco
Jason Lawrence Geiger, aka “Austin St. John,” aka the “Red Power Ranger,” 47, McKinney
Eric Reed Marascio, aka “Phoenix Macron,” 50, Allen
Christopher Lee McElfresh, 43, Frisco
Elmer Omar Ayala, 45, Midlothian
Gregory Fitzgerald Hatley Jr., 38, Allen
Alexander Eric Cortesano, 52, Dallas
Arthur Atik Pongtaratik, 33, Carrollton
Miles Justin Urias, 34, Richardson
Rajaa Bensellam, 49, Allen
Hadi Mohammed Taffal, 50 Allen
Jonathon James Spencer, aka “Spence,” 33, Rowlett
Peter Keovongphet, aka “Lil’ Pete,” 34, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Fabian C. Hernandez, 44, Lake Alfred, Fla.
Cord Dean Newman, 44, Homosassa, Fla.
Daniel Lee Warren, 33, address unknown

The scheme was led by Michael Hill and Andrew Moran, the indictment alleges. The group allegedly carried out a scheme to defraud lenders and the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Hill allegedly recruited the others to use an existing business or create a business to submit applications for PPP funding.

Read more: https://dentonrc.com/news/crime/lewisville-man-alleged-kingpin-in-3-5-million-fraud-scheme/article_3e12421b-57fc-51a5-b3c3-9f476d01bdc2.html
(Denton Record-Chronicle)