An Atlanta, Georgia man is accused of trying to sell millions of nonexistent respirator masks to the Department of Veterans Affairs in exchange for "large upfront payments," according to the Justice Department.
Christopher Parris, 39, was arrested Monday and charged in federal court in Washington, D.C. with wire fraud.
The criminal complaint against Parris alleges he made a series of fraudulent misrepresentations in an attempt to secure contracts and orders from the VA for 125 million face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) that would have totaled more than $750 million.
Parris allegedly promised he could obtain millions of 3M masks from United States factories "when he knew that fulfilling the orders would not be possible," the Justice Department said in a news release. Parris also allegedly tried to defraud state governments this way, too.
“We will vigorously pursue fraudsters who exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to make money,” Attorney General William Barr said in a statement. “As this case demonstrates, even beyond the typical costs associated with unlawful behavior, COVID-19 scams divert government time and resources and risk preventing front-line responders and consumers from obtaining the equipment they need to combat this pandemic. The Department of Justice will not tolerate this conduct, especially when it involves this kind of egregious attempt to target and defraud our nation’s treasures – our veterans.”
“We are committed to protecting the integrity of taxpayer funds and ensuring the delivery of medical supplies necessary to provide quality healthcare to our nation’s veterans, and any attempt to exploit the current global COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain will be dealt with swiftly,” said VA Inspector General Michael J. Missal.
Parris faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if he is convicted of wire fraud in the case.
-
Justice Dept. launches investigation of veterans home where 28 died of coronavirus
VA denies coronavirus supply shortages. Medical staff say they're rationing masks.
Former VA doctor arrested, accused of sexually molesting veteran during medical exam