SBA Fraud Bust Targets Jacksonville | Jacksonville News

The Paycheck Protection Program, designed to save businesses during the pandemic, has become a massive fraud target—with over 100 people charged nationwide for schemes involving fake businesses, stolen identities, and hidden foreign ties. In Jacksonville, four men face serious consequences: Jared Eakes could spend over six years in prison and repay $7.3 million; Marcus Eichelberger, a former pastor, admitted to causing $300K in losses; Justin Burns pleaded guilty to wire fraud tied to a non-existent business that cost the SBA nearly $130K. This is the largest-ever SBA fraud investigation, examining nearly 900K borrowers and $39 billion in suspected fraud—showing how some exploited crisis aid while authorities vow to hold everyone accountable. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://jaxtoday.org/2026/09/14/fraud-covid-ppp-program/ More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d37d453c43c6d2eb Report issues to [email protected].