West Virginia Trucking Owner Sentenced for $277K COVID Loan Fraud Scheme

Key Details Bradley Temple, 48, the former owner of Righteous Brother's Trucking in Wheeling, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to unlawful money transactions related to COVID-19 relief fraud. Temple obtained $277,456 in fraudulent loans, including both a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). What Happened Federal investigators found that Temple made false representations about his business to secure the relief funds. He then used the money for unauthorized personal expenses, including obtaining a $40,000 cashier's check to purchase a vehicle instead of using funds for legitimate business purposes. Why It Matters Temple faces up to ten years in federal prison and must pay full restitution. The case was jointly investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigations division and NASA's Office of Inspector General, which actively participates in the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee Fraud Task Force. Bottom Line This prosecution demonstrates ongoing federal efforts to hold trucking industry operators accountable for COVID relief fraud. Drivers and small business owners should ensure compliance with all program requirements if they received pandemic assistance.