2 NYPD detectives charged in scheme that helped dozens obtain fraudulent COVID loans: feds

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Two NYPD detectives, along with two other individuals, have been charged in connection with a scheme to submit fraudulent loan applications, prosecutors said.

NYPD detectives John Bolden, 46, and Anthony Carreira, 42, along with Jacqueline Johnson, 78, and Christian McKenzie, 46, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for allegedly scheming to submit fraudulent applications under the United States Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program.

Court documents reveal that Bolden and Carreira held partnership interests in a franchise location of a tax preparation business. Between May 2020 and October 2022, Bolden allegedly led the scheme to defraud the SBA by working with his clients and co-defendants, including Carreira, Johnson, and McKenzie, to fraudulently obtain PPP funds.

Bolden is accused of securing PPP funds for himself, his co-defendants, and more than 65 individuals by submitting online loan applications containing false information. As part of the scheme, Bolden also allegedly prepared fake tax forms to support the loan applications.

“As alleged, the defendants, including members of law enforcement responsible for upholding the law, defrauded the United States government out of relief funds meant for businesses struggling to survive the pandemic,” Peace said.  “These arrests are a powerful reminder of this Office’s resolve to prosecute anyone who violated the public trust and took advantage of the COVID crisis by stealing from relief programs.”

Bolden, Johnson, and McKenzie have been arrested, while Carreira has agreed to surrender at a later date.

Carreira's record traces back to 2019 when he was transferred to a new division following a Daily News exclusive report on federal complaints by two of his colleagues, who alleged they were subjected to persistent racist bullying within a "frat house" culture at their precinct.

According to public records , Carreira's career with the NYPD came to an end in August 2023.

Bolden was suspended without pay, according to reports.