Harper Woods Man Charged with Allegedly Defrauding CERA, PPP Loans

LANSING – Roy Lee Holt, 57, of Harper Woods, was arraigned in the 32A District Court in Harper Woods on multiple felony charges for allegedly fraudulently obtaining more than $60,000 in COVID-19 relief funds and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Holt has been charged with: 

• Two counts of False Pretenses $20,000-$50,000, each a 15-year felony; 
• One count of False Pretense $1,000-$20,000, a 5-year felony; 
• Two counts of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, each a 10-year felony; and  
• One Count of Making/Permitting a False Tax Return, a 5-year felony.  

To obtain two PPP loans in 2021, Holt allegedly submitted a fraudulent bank statement and made other false representations regarding his business operations. He is further accused of submitting additional fraudulent misrepresentations to have those loans forgiven. Each PPP loan Holt received was for $20,832 totaling over $41,000. 

Holt also allegedly received $19,880 in COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) funds after submitting falsified and altered documentation to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The CERA program, administered by MSHDA, was designed to support Michigan residents struggling with rent and utilities due to pandemic-related financial hardships. 

At the time this fraud is alleged to have been committed, Holt was a Veterans Affairs employee. The Attorney General's enforcement operation was conducted in close collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.      

“I would like to thank the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General for their assistance in this investigation,” Nessel said. “My office will continue to pursue and prosecute those who took advantage of taxpayer funds meant for individuals and small businesses struggling during a time of crisis.” 

Holt was arraigned in the 32A District Court on July 21. He was given a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. He will next appear for a Probable Cause Conference on August 6 at 1:30 pm in front of Judge Rebekah R. Coleman in the 32A District Court.