Arrests made for PPP fraud

Fourteen Marshall and DeSoto County residents have been arrested on criminal charges related to their involvement in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain government funds intended to protect employees of endangered businesses during the COVID pandemic through the Payroll Protection Program of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Those arrested include the following: 

• Robert Pearson, 52, of Holly Springs
• Lakisha Jones Pearson, 46, of Holly Springs
• Glendon Jones, 29, of Red Banks
• Roniesha Dennis, 30, of Red Banks
• Devonte Banks, 27, of Holly Springs
• Jaliyah Godwin, 26, of Olive Branch
• Jacoby Alexander, 39, of Holly Springs
• Kevin Anderson, 41, of Lamar
• Melvin Harris, 26, of Holly Springs
• Dametris Pearson, 27, of Southaven
• Terrance Isom of Southaven
• Mareceo Hobson, 28, of Olive Branch
• Dianne Cox, 67, of Byhalia
• Doris Pearson, 56, of Olive Branch

They are charged with conspiracy, wire fraud and illegal financial transactions. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 30 years for the conspiracy and wire fraud violations and 10 years for the financial transaction charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.