The Brief
- A man is facing federal charges related to COVID-19 fraud that saw about $975,000 stolen from government relief programs.
- Prosecutors say he used dormant businesses to file false relief fund applications.
- He is being charged with five counts of wire fraud.
EDINA, Minn. (FOX 9) – An Edina man appeared in federal court after being charged with five counts of wire fraud related to the theft of $975,000 in COVID-19 relief funds.
Mark Erjavec, 49, of Edina, is accused of exploiting the COVID-19 crisis by defrauding relief programs meant to keep small businesses alive.
COVID fraud scheme
Big picture view:
Federal prosecutors allege that Erjavec reactivated dormant business entities to file false applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Paycheck Protection Program funds.…