A Spokane Valley couple was charged last week with fraudulently obtaining a COVID-19 relief loan.
Raymond and Jennifer Hilderbrand face 8 counts of fraud for cash received for a small business for another business, in addition to making false statements to the Economic Disaster Loan Program, according to the indictment.
Raymond Hilderbrand, 53, implemented and won $363,000 in financing on behalf of Hilderbrand Auto Service, but instead used the cash for the couple’s Powerline Enterprise LLC, which is not eligible to receive funds, according to the indictment.
Jennifer Hilderbrand, 52, is accused of making false statements in a similar funding application on behalf of Powerline Enterprise LLC; However, that request was denied and the company did not get any money, according to the indictment.
When reached Wednesday, Raymond “Joe” Hilderbrand declined to comment.
The prosecution component of the COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force of the U. S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington.
“We created the COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force in Eastern Washington because combating pandemic-related fraud and holding accountable those who abused those systems is critical to the strength and protection of our network in Eastern Washington,” U. S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref said in a news release. liberation. . « My Office will continue to lead efforts to prosecute those who have stolen cash intended for those who legitimately wish to do so. “
The fraud carries a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison, accompanied by restitution.