Minneapolis, MN
Two Minneapolis men accused of $1M fraud of COVID-19 program
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Two Minneapolis business consultants are facing charges for allegedly defrauding COVID-19 aid programs out of more than $1 million.
Tezzaree El-Amin Champion and Marcus Alexander Hamilton, both 27, are accused of submitting fake invoices and applications for relief funds through their firm, Futuristic Management Group LLC. They allegedly scammed multiple federal, state, local, and private pandemic relief programs.
The pair reportedly used their contracts with Hennepin County’s “Elevate Business” program to bill for work that wasn’t done or was already paid for by clients. They also submitted false applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) on behalf of their clients, pocketing some of the funds themselves.
Authorities also accuse Champion of intimidating clients, sometimes displaying a firearm in the process.
During a search of Champion’s home in April 2023, authorities found $126,000 in cash and a firearm. Because Champion has a prior felony conviction, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Champion and Hamilton face multiple counts of mail fraud, wire fraud, and theft of government money. Champion is also charged with possessing a firearm as a felon.
Minneapolis police are investigating a hit-and-run that left a man seriously injured Tuesday afternoon.
The crash happened near Oliver Avenue North and Lowry Avenue North just before 2 p.m., according to the Minneapolis Police Department.
Investigators say an SUV struck another vehicle, which then collided with a motorcyclist. The driver of the SUV then fled the scene.
The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. Police say the driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
No arrests have been made as of Tuesday night.
A recent FOX 9 investigation found that Medicaid fraudsters owe millions but pay back little with several other defendants discharged from probation after making either minimal or no payments towards their court-imposed debts.
A homicide investigation is underway after a person was found shot to death inside a car parked along the Mississippi River, the Minneapolis Park Police Department said.
Around 6:40 a.m. Sunday, officers from Minneapolis Park police and the city’s police department responded to a report of a body in a car at Mill Ruins Park. They found an adult with a fatal gunshot wound at the scene, as well as a firearm.
The Minneapolis Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating.
Police said the Hennepin County medical examiner will determine the manner and cause of death, as well as the person’s identity.
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