A USAID Office of the Inspector General (OIG) investigation, which revealed false and fraudulent representations on applications to obtain federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), has led to a United States government-wide three-year debarment for the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a USAID subawardee. As a result, the CEO is prohibited from participating in government procurement and non-procurement programs.
USAID OIG initiated the investigation into an allegation of COVID loan fraud following a referral from the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee Task Force. The allegations were referred to our office based on a connection between USAID and the loan fraud allegation.
In May 2025, Jeanty Cherilus, the former CEO, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. (See the Department of Justice press release for more details.) OIG referred Cherilus to the USAID Suspension and Debarment Official.
On August 28, 2025, USAID issued a notice of debarment to Cherilus for 3 years based on the conviction, being in the public interest, and for the Government’s protection. For more on USAID OIG’s investigative results, please visit https://oig.usaid.gov/our-work/investigations.
OIG reminds personnel and implementers to continue to report allegations of misconduct OIG’s Hotline, consistent with their award requirements or other legal obligations.