Ann Arbor Woman to Stand Trial for Paycheck Protection Program Loan Fraud

LANSING – Yesterday, Yulonda Eckel, 56, of Ann Arbor, waived preliminary examination and was bound over to stand trial in the 22nd Circuit Court in Washtenaw County for allegedly fraudulently obtaining two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the federal government totaling over $41,000, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Eckel was arraigned in June on two counts of False Pretenses $20,000-$50,000, two counts of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, and one count of Taxes – Making/Permitting a False Return. 

Eckel allegedly applied for and received two PPP loans by claiming she was a sole proprietor with $108,121 in gross income from her business in 2020. However, the Department’s investigation revealed that Eckel did not operate a sole proprietorship.  

The Attorney General's enforcement operation was conducted in close collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.     

“During the pandemic, Michigan saw millions of dollars fraudulently taken from programs aimed at keeping business afloat in our communities,” said Nessel at the time of Eckel’s arraignment. “I am thankful for the investigative efforts of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. My department will continue to protect taxpayer dollars by investigating and prosecuting those who take advantage of government aid.” 

Eckel will next appear in the 22nd Circuit Court in Washtenaw County on October 17, 2024.