An Upstate NY man allegedly scammed $140K in pandemic loans from banks and the federal government

A federal grand jury has indicted a 24-year-old Upstate New York man on charges he defrauded financial institutions and the Small Business Administration out of more than $140,000 through fraudulent pandemic loan applications.

Brandon Millender of Buffalo faces 10 counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and concealment money laundering. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine up to $500,000.

According to the indictment, Millender conspired with others between April 2021 and August 2025 to submit fraudulent Payroll Protection Program loan applications and forgiveness applications for non-existent businesses, including fake payroll expenses and revenue.

The indictment alleges Millender created and maintained numerous email addresses using the names of other individuals without their knowledge or permission. He also allegedly used their Social Security numbers, addresses and other personal information to further the scheme.

Millender allegedly opened bank accounts, credit card accounts, online profiles and CashApp/Block accounts to receive, conceal and spend proceeds from the fraudulent loans. The affected institutions included KeyBank, Harvest Small Business Finance, Benworth Capital Partners, CashApp/Block and the Small Business Administration.

Between June and August 2025, Millender allegedly attempted to obstruct the federal investigation by trying to influence an individual to provide false and misleading information to federal investigators.

Millender was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and released on conditions.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson.