Oregon – Justin David Goulet, a 36-year-old Las Vegas, Nevada resident, has been handed a federal prison sentence for exploiting Covid relief funds, marking yet another chapter in his extensive criminal record. This sentencing comes in the wake of Goulet’s attempts to defraud the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) of more than $163,000, an act committed shortly after his release from state prison.
After serving concurrent sentences for felony forgery and theft in Oregon state prison, Goulet was released in late December 2020. However, within four months of regaining his freedom, he embarked on a new fraudulent venture. In April 2021, Goulet hatched a plan to siphon funds from the SBA, which had been allocated by Congress to support businesses struggling due to the Covid-19 pandemic. His method involved applying for two Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), through which he successfully acquired $163,100.
Goulet’s fraudulent activities were sophisticated. He registered a straw company, Statement Venture Group, LLC, and falsely claimed to have been operational as an independent contractor during his time in prison in 2019. To lend credence to his loan applications, he submitted fabricated tax documents, including one allegedly prepared by a non-existent New York accounting firm, falsely showcasing substantial revenues and payroll.
The misappropriated funds were spent on a lavish lifestyle, including travel, living expenses, cars, and illegal drugs.
The unraveling of Goulet’s scheme began with his indictment by a federal grand jury in Portland on February 8, 2022, for wire fraud. His guilty plea on August 30, 2022, led to his sentencing to 27 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, Goulet is ordered to pay $163,100 in restitution to the SBA.
This case was investigated by the SBA Office of Inspector General and the FBI, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan W. Bounds for the District of Oregon leading the prosecution.