Amtrak OIG investigation leads to guilty plea in $2.3 million PPP fraud scheme

October 12, 2026

DETROIT – Jawan Simpson, 37, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, pleaded guilty September 29, 2026, to one count of wire fraud for orchestrating a scheme involving fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loans, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan.

According to the plea agreement, from January 2021 through July 2021, Simpson promised family members, friends, and tax-preparation clients, including Amtrak employees, that he could help them obtain pandemic-relief loans that would be forgiven by the federal government in exchange for fees typically ranging from $2,000 to $3,000.

Simpson submitted 111 PPP loan applications containing materially false information and supporting documentation, including fraudulent tax returns. Overall, Simpson's scheme resulted in the issuance of approximately $2.3 million in PPP loans.

As part of the plea agreement, Simpson also agreed to a forfeiture money judgment of $214,745.87 representing proceeds he personally obtained from the scheme.

“We hope this guilty plea sends a clear message that those who exploit emergency relief programs for personal gain will be held accountable,” said Basil Demczak, Special Agent in Charge of Amtrak Office of Inspector General’s Central and Western Field Offices. “We appreciate the strong partnership with the FBI and prosecutors involved and remain committed to pursuing those who defraud taxpayer-funded relief programs.”

Simpson is scheduled to be sentenced in February 2027.

The case was investigated by Amtrak OIG with support from the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Davin M. Reust is prosecuting the case.

Reports of fraud, waste, or abuse; criminal or unethical acts affecting Amtrak’s property or operations; or mismanagement in Amtrak programs or operations can be made 24 hours a day via the Amtrak OIG Hotline at 1-800-468-5469 or online at https://direc.to/hPAu.

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