Michigan Man Accused of $5.2M COVID-19 Relief Fraud

Randon Williams charged with wire fraud and illegal monetary transactions over pandemic loan scheme.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, torn PPP loan application form, capturing the stark, gritty details of the physical evidence in this fraud case.A recent wave of pandemic relief fraud cases exposes the need for tighter oversight of federal aid programs.Today in Detroit

A Michigan man has been charged with fraudulently obtaining over $5.2 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the COVID-19 pandemic and using the funds for personal expenses, including the purchase of a Rolls-Royce and a down payment on a $2.4 million home.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to crack down on widespread fraud in pandemic-era relief programs, which have seen billions of dollars siphoned off by bad actors. It also raises concerns about the oversight and eligibility requirements for the PPP loans, which were intended to help struggling small businesses retain employees.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Randon Williams, a West Bloomfield resident, submitted multiple fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of his construction companies, The Romero Group and Step Ladder Construction. The applications allegedly contained fabricated or misrepresented information about the number of employees and average monthly payroll expenses. The loans, totaling over $5.2 million, were approved and the funds were deposited into Williams' business accounts, from which he then transferred large sums to his personal accounts and used the money for luxury purchases.

  • In April 2020, Williams submitted a $348,145 PPP loan application for The Romero Group.
  • In March 2021, Williams submitted a second $348,145 PPP loan application for The Romero Group.
  • In May 2020, Williams created accounts with Paychex, a payroll processing company, to which he transferred over $383,300 from the PPP loans.
  • In 2011, Williams was listed as the registered agent for Step Ladder Construction, which received over $3 million in PPP loans.
  • Williams is scheduled for a preliminary exam on April 30, 2026.

The players

Randon Williams

A West Bloomfield, Michigan resident who is accused of fraudulently obtaining over $5.2 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans and using the funds for personal expenses.

The Romero Group

A construction company organized by Randon Williams in 2017, which received two PPP loans totaling $696,290.

Step Ladder Construction

A construction business registered in 2011 with Randon Williams listed as the registered agent, which received over $3 million in PPP loans.

Paychex, Inc.

A company that provides payroll processing services, to which Williams transferred over $383,300 in PPP loan funds.

U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan

The federal prosecutors' office that brought the charges against Randon Williams.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold accountable those who sought to exploit the pandemic for their own personal gain.”

— Dawn Ison, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan

What’s next

The judge will decide on April 30, 2026, whether to allow Randon Williams to be released on bail pending trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of preventing fraud in federal relief programs, even as authorities work to crack down on abuse. It underscores the need for stronger oversight and eligibility requirements to ensure pandemic aid reaches the intended recipients.