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.

Bob Bakken

Bob Bakken is the most recognized and most trusted name in DeSoto County news and sports reporting, as readers continue to express their appreciation for his accuracy and fairness in the stories he writes. Bob is also heard on 95.3 The Rebel twice a week with sports updates and high school football play-by-play broadcasts in the fall. A former newspaper editor and writer, his award-winning background also includes television news producing, sports media relations, and radio broadcasting.