A Madison County couple was indicted on Wednesday for allegedly defrauding the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of $1.7 million, according to the Department of Justice.

An indictment filed in U.S. Northern District Court of Alabama charged John D. Scoggins, 43, and Jennifer C. Scoggins, 37, husband and wife, both of Huntsville, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. 

According to the indictment, between February and June 2021, the Scoggins allegedly conspired to defraud the SBA and the United States Government by applying for and/or receiving approximately $1.7 million in fraudulent PPP loans on behalf of four purportedly operational businesses. 

The Scoggins allegedly submitted a loan application containing material misrepresentations and supported by falsified and fraudulent documentation.  

According to the indictment, the Scoggins used the PPP loan funds for a series of unauthorized purposes, including purchasing a home, taking a family vacation, and plastic surgery. 

An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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