Lansing Man Sentenced for Fraudulent Grant Applications

News Summary

A 25-year-old man from Lansing, Michigan, was sentenced to two years of probation after submitting fraudulent grant applications to the Michigan Department of Treasury. Leslie Buck pled guilty to multiple counts of perjury and using a computer to commit a crime, related to the ‘Growing MI Business’ grant program intended for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Buck’s case highlights the need for integrity in financial assistance programs while authorities remain vigilant against fraud.

Lansing Man Sentenced to Probation for Fraudulent Grant Applications

A 25-year-old man from Lansing, Michigan, has been sentenced to two years of probation following a case involving fraudulent applications submitted to the Michigan Department of Treasury. Leslie Buck received a sentence that includes 300 days in jail, of which he has already served 100 days. The remaining 200 days will be suspended, contingent upon his successful completion of probation.

In June, Buck pled guilty to seven counts of perjury and one count of using a computer to commit a crime. His fraudulent activities were connected to the “Growing MI Business” grant program, which was established to distribute up to $409 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act aimed at supporting businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Lansing Police Department uncovered Buck’s fraudulent grant applications and subsequently alerted the treasury department, leading to legal action. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel highlighted the importance of grant programs being utilized for their intended purposes rather than being exploited for personal gain.

Details of the Case

The fraudulent activities by Buck occurred amidst a broader landscape where nearly $120 million was awarded to eligible businesses in Michigan during the year 2022. The “Growing MI Business” grant program was specifically designed to aid businesses struggling due to the pandemic’s economic impact. Buck managed to exploit this support system through his false applications, posing a risk to the integrity of financial assistance programs]

Had Buck violated the terms of his probation, he would have faced an additional 200 days in jail. His previous charges included a habitual offender designation, which was dropped as part of the agreement for his guilty plea. Perjury charges usually carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, while using a computer to commit a crime may result in up to 10 years in incarceration.

Broader Implications

The prosecution of Buck’s case was managed by the Michigan Attorney General’s office, which remains vigilant in monitoring and taking action against similar incidents of public resource abuse. The office’s focus underscores a commitment to ensuring that such grant programs serve their intended purpose and are not manipulated or undermined by individuals looking to gain financially by deceitful means.

As governments continue to distribute substantial funds to mitigate the economic fallout from the pandemic, it has become increasingly critical to safeguard these resources against fraud. Buck’s case serves as a reminder about the necessity of integrity in financial support programs, especially those emerging in response to national emergencies.

This case also highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and legal entities to crack down on fraudulent activities that take advantage of public resources, illustrating the potential legal consequences faced by individuals seeking to exploit financial aid intended for the well-being of citizens and businesses alike.

Conclusion

Leslie Buck’s conviction emphasizes the legal risks associated with fraudulent activities and the importance of compliance with application processes for grant funding. Authorities’ successful intervention reinforces a collective understanding that public resources should serve those who genuinely need assistance, not those who would compromise the system for personal gain.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WILX: Lansing Man Sentenced for Fraudulent Grant Applications
• Lansing State Journal: COVID Money Fraud
• Detroit News: Lansing Man Gets Probation in Fraud Case
• WWMT: Leslie Buck Sentenced for Fraudulent Grants
• NBC25 News: Leslie Buck Fraud Case
• Wikipedia: Fraud
• Google Search: Fraudulent Grant Applications
• Google Scholar: Fraud in Public Resources
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Grant Fraud
• Google News: Lansing Fraud Case