Peachtree City Man Indicted for COVID-19 Relief Fraud and Identity Theft

Mycheal Arnell Brady, also known as “Michael Brady,” has been indicted on federal charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Brady is accused of stealing COVID-19 relief funds and submitting fraudulent federal tax refunds using the stolen identities of multiple individuals. Additionally, he has been charged with possession of unauthorized access devices that contained personal information, including Social Security numbers, of numerous identity theft victims.

According to U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan, Brady’s alleged scheme involved defrauding programs designed to assist legitimate businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brady allegedly used stolen personal information to file fraudulent tax returns and obtain refunds. U.S. Attorney Buchanan emphasized that Brady’s actions undermined the purpose of essential programs intended to support struggling businesses during the pandemic.

Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Braithwaite of the SBA OIG’s Eastern Region expressed a commitment to protecting the integrity of COVID-19 relief programs. She highlighted that fraudulent activities like Brady’s undermine these programs and stressed the importance of holding those who exploit federal programs accountable. Similarly, Demetrius Hardeman, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in the Atlanta Field Office, noted that Brady’s alleged criminal activities led to his indictment and indicated that ongoing efforts will continue to uncover similar crimes by others.

The indictment alleges that Brady submitted multiple fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications to authorized lenders and the Small Business Administration. These applications reportedly contained false information about gross revenues and fake employees, seeking over $1.9 million in funding. Brady allegedly received more than $330,000 from these fraudulent loans, which were not used for authorized business purposes. Additionally, Brady is accused of possessing Social Security numbers belonging to identity theft victims, which he used to apply for federal tax refunds without the victims’ knowledge or consent.

Mycheal Arnell Brady, 36, of Peachtree City, Georgia, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Christopher C. Bly on August 5, 2024, following his indictment by a federal grand jury on July 23, 2024. The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Cooper and Samir Kaushal are prosecuting the case.