Massachusetts businesswoman pleads guilty to submitting fraudulent COVID-19 loan applications

BOSTON (WWLP) – Massachusetts businesswoman pleads guilty to submitting fraudulent COVID-19 loan applications.

A plea of guilty was entered by Vanessa Nixon, 45, of Framingham, for bank fraud. In February 2024, Nixon was charged with this crime.

Among Nixon’s businesses in Massachusetts were Mass Homes Investments LLC, Nixon Homes LTD, and Alpha Auto Body, Inc. As a result of her multiple fraudulent loan applications submitted to banks and the U.S. Government between April 2020 and November 2022, Nixon fabricated millions of dollars in business income through the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. 

She also created fake tax documents to substantiate the fabricated business income and submitted them with the loan applications. As a result, Nixon received more than $450,000 in loans, which were subsequently forgiven by banks and the Small Business Administration.

A conviction for bank fraud may result in a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

Judge Indira Talwani of the U.S. Senior District Court scheduled the sentencing for June 26, 2024.

Kayleigh Thomas is a digital reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since 2022. Follow Kayleigh on X @kayleighcthomas and view her bio to see more of her work.