Federal law enforcement charged and arrested Randon “Romero” Williams of West Bloomfield on April 10 for allegedly committing wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a scheme to defraud financial institutions and the U.S. Small Business Administration through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., who said these actions are among the first results of President Donald J. Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, alongside efforts from the newly established National Fraud Enforcement Division under Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
The case highlights ongoing federal efforts to protect taxpayer funds distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities allege that between April 2020 and March 2021, Williams submitted six PPP loan applications totaling more than $5 million using various business names. Investigators say many of these businesses either existed only on paper or provided inflated employee numbers, payroll expenses, and gross receipts—factors critical in determining loan eligibility.
According to the complaint, Williams claimed businesses such as “The Romero Group” and “Step Ladder Construction” employed between 21 and 75 people with monthly payrolls exceeding half a million dollars. Prosecutors allege that he supported his claims with falsified tax documents submitted as part of his loan applications.
Gorgon was joined in announcing the charges by Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of IRS Criminal Investigations’ Detroit Field Office. “We will zealously prosecute any thief who steals from the hardworking American taxpayer,” Gorgon said.
Wingerd added: “The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was designed to be a lifeline for struggling businesses during a global disaster event, not a free-for-all for any unscrupulous fraudster looking for easy money… Our expertise is following the money, and we will find you.”
Officials emphasized that a complaint is only an allegation; it does not constitute evidence of guilt or allow felony trials until further investigation determines whether indictments should be sought.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Fasbinder and investigated by IRS Criminal Investigations. The Department of Justice recently created its National Fraud Enforcement Division as part of broader government efforts led by President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
