Chattanooga Pastor Admits Wrongdoing in COVID Fraud Scheme Earned $1.8 Million

A local pastor, Ricky Lee Taylor, Jr., has written a letter to the judge overseeing his case, expressing shock and dismay at his situation following a guilty plea to wire fraud charges. He admitted his actions were wrong and acknowledged taking responsibility for his role in obtaining fraudulent PPP loans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Taylor, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and was sentenced to 30 months in prison, along with three years of supervised release. The Department of Justice reported he submitted eight fraudulent loan applications, resulting in approximately $1.8 million in PPP funds.

According to the plea agreement, Taylor used these funds improperly, specifically for his church’s ministry and personal expenses, rather than for legitimate COVID-19 related costs. He now faces a substantial restitution order totaling over $3.5 million to the United States.

In his letter addressed to U.S. District Judge Charles E. Atchley, Jr., Taylor described his profound shock upon learning about the investigation and his terrifying encounter with Secret Service agents on September 29, 2022. He wrote, “MY. HEART. DROPPED. I’VE NEVER BEEN THAT TERRIFIED IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!”

Taylor detailed several personal setbacks stemming from the fraud, including the loss of his trucking and logistics company, the cancellation of his summer AAU basketball program, and the departure of church leaders after learning about the allegations. These losses represent significant blows to his professional and personal life.

He explicitly admitted his wrongdoing in requesting the funds through fraudulent means, stating the money obtained during the pandemic was acquired through dishonesty. This aligns with Micah 6:8, which speaks of acting righteously and humbly before God. Taylor requested mercy from the court despite his conviction.

In light of the situation, Proverbs 31:8-9 emphasizes the importance of exposing injustice. Taylor’s case highlights the consequences of misusing public assistance programs, particularly when church resources are involved.

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