FORMER BRYAN BAR OWNER CHARGED WITH FRAUDULENTLY RECEIVING $123,500 IN PPP FUNDS
A Bryan man has been federally charged with one count of wire fraud, after authorities accused him of fraudulently receiving Payroll Protection Program (PPP) funds.
(Harris Co. Precinct One Constable's Office)
44-year-old Keith Anton Johnson was scheduled to make his first appearance in federal court on Friday, after being indicted March 10th. According to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Johnson turned in false payroll information in order to obtain $123,500 in PPP funds from the Small Business Administration as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The release states Johnson co-owned and operated KJR Entertainment Holdings LLC from January to July of 2020, primarily operating Southerns, a bar and live music venue in College Station.
The indictment alleges Johnson submitted required payroll information pretending to be that of current employees to justify the basis for a PPP loan. On these forms, the charges state he attested to an employee’s current status when, in fact, the one-time employee had actually quit in January 2020.
The indictment also states that Johnson answered no when asked if he had any criminal charges, but he is currently facing charges in Harris County for aggravated theft. Johnson was arrested by Harris County constables in July 2019 after being accused of taking nearly $350,000 from people who hired him for construction work between May 2016 and April 2018.
If convicted, Johnson could face up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.