The Golf Course Gambit

Michael Kirouac owned or controlled four companies: HK Manchester, HK Loudon, HK Hudson, and HK Pelham. Prosecutors said he applied for and obtained more than $1 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loans, certifying that the money would be used solely as working capital and not for personal expenses or business relocation. But when Kirouac wanted to purchase Angus Lea Golf Course and could not obtain financing from banks or private lenders, prosecutors said he used approximately $600,000 of EIDL funds intended for HK Manchester and HK Loudon to help buy the course. He also obtained a $260,500 EIDL for HK Hudson after he had already agreed to sell that business, without disclosing the sale agreement to the SBA. Kirouac pleaded guilty to wire fraud on October 3, 2025, and was sentenced on February 19, 2026, to 15 months in prison and one year of supervised release. Jason explains why restricted government relief funds are not flexible deal money, how EIDL misuse can become a criminal case, and what business owners should do before moving loan proceeds into acquisitions, personal expenses, related entities, or new ventures. Key TakeawaysRestricted funds must be used for restricted purposes. Loan certifications are evidence, not administrative clutter. A failed financing search does not justify using government relief money as acquisition capital. If a business owner has already misused restricted funds, the first move is to stop, preserve records, and get privileged legal review before creating more documents. The goal is to fix the issue while it can still be handled as a civil tax, loan, or administrative problem whenever possible. Resources MentionedDOJ sentencing release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/pr/pembroke-man-sentenced-misusing-cares-act-funds-purchase-angus-lea-golf-course IRS-CI sentencing release: https://www.irs.gov/compliance/criminal-investigation/pembroke-man-sentenced-for-misusing-cares-act-funds-to-purchase-the-angus-lea-golf-course The Law Office of Jason Carr, PLLC: https://carrtaxlaw.com Disclaimer This video is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Viewing this video does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Law Office of Jason Carr, PLLC. The discussion is based on publicly available information and is not a complete analysis of any person’s legal rights, defenses, tax obligations, or case facts. Any commentary about what a taxpayer, business owner, or advisor “should have done” is general educational discussion only and may not apply to your situation. If you have a specific legal or tax question, consult a qualified attorney or tax professional licensed in your jurisdiction.Comment PolicyPlease do not post confidential, sensitive, or personally identifiable tax information in the comments. We do not provide individualized legal or tax advice in the comments or social media replies.