ATLANTA — An Atlanta man and former NFL player, promoter and business owner was sentenced for filing a fraudulent loan application for COVID-19 aid, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.
They say Travis Lee Harris, 43, was sentenced to over a year in prison and was issued a nearly $1 million fine.
“Harris falsified a loan application to obtain PPP funds for his business that he then blatantly used to fund a lavish lifestyle,” U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said. “Harris has now been held accountable for his crime."
Federal prosecutors say that Harris owned a company, Atlanta Luxury Cars and Trucks, and had signed a PPP Loan Application for his business.
Eventually, the business would go on to receive a $968,400 PPP loan, but according to prosecutors, Harris offered false information on his application about employees, payroll and revenue for the company.
Prosecutors say that Harris transferred those PPP funds and deposited them into his personal bank account. After receiving the funds, Harris posted social media photos holding stacks of cash, buying a Rolex watch and renting a luxury hotel room.
They also say he used a portion of PPP loans to start new businesses.
Harris pleaded guilty on Feb. 14. In his sentencing, he was sentenced to 1 year and 4 months in prison, which will be followed by supervised release.
