Former correctional officer and Special Investigative Services team member at the United States Penitentiary in Atlanta, Andy Steven Johnson, pleaded guilty to stealing money from an inmate’s CashApp account and fraudulently applying for a Paycheck Protection Program loan using a business that didn’t exist.
Johnson exploited his position at the prison to victimize inmates and steal from them, according to U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. He also tried to steal pandemic disaster relief funds meant to help those with legitimate hardships.
Johnson, 42, of Peachtree City, pleaded guilty to theft by an employee of the United States and wire fraud. Sentencing is scheduled for February 7, at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross.
As part of the Department of Justice’s response to combating pandemic-related fraud, the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force was established to enhance efforts to combat and prevent fraud.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.
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