By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published April 22nd, 2026
Former Jacksonville Pastor Indicted in $50K COVID-Relief Fraud Scheme
JACKSONVILLE, FL — A former local religious leader is facing a potential life-altering prison sentence after being indicted for allegedly exploiting federal programs designed to keep small businesses afloat during the pandemic.
Marcus Eichelberger, 46, has been charged with four counts of wire fraud related to the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The indictment, announced by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, alleges that Eichelberger conspired to siphon taxpayer funds for personal gain.
Allegations of Deception
According to court documents, the fraudulent activity occurred between March 2021 and February 2022. The indictment outlines a calculated effort to bypass federal safeguards:
🌟 Fraudulent Applications: Eichelberger allegedly directed another individual to submit PPP loan applications for a purported business that was not entitled to receive them.
🌟 False Certification: The pair allegedly certified that the funds would be used for legitimate business expenses, such as maintaining payroll.
🌟 Personal Enrichment: Once the loans were approved, investigators claim the proceeds were used for personal expenses rather than any legitimate business purpose.
🌟 Forgiveness Fraud: The indictment further alleges that Eichelberger and his associate fraudulently applied for loan forgiveness, resulting in a total loss of approximately $50,000.
The investigation revealed a surprising connection, as the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) discovered that a VA employee was involved alongside their pastor.
“This case demonstrates the VA OIG’s unwavering commitment to detecting and preventing fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker. “Our investigation uncovered that a VA employee and the employee’s pastor fraudulently obtained federal relief funds intended for legitimate businesses in need.”
If convicted, Eichelberger faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count.
The prosecution is part of a broader federal push to eliminate waste and abuse within benefit programs. This initiative is supported by the National Fraud Enforcement Division and the administration's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance.
Note: An indictment is a formal charge, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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