Maryland – A dramatic courtroom turn unfolded in Maryland as Eric Tano Tataw, 39, abandoned his trial and entered a guilty plea to federal bank fraud charges tied to COVID-19 relief funds.
The Gaithersburg resident admitted to fraudulently securing over $160,000 through pandemic-era loan programs, while also attempting to obstruct justice during the investigation.
Fraud Scheme Targeted COVID Relief Funds
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland, Tataw orchestrated a scheme between April 2020 and May 2021 to exploit relief initiatives administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration.Using his company, National Telegraph LLC, he applied for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans with falsified information. Prosecutors say Tataw inflated employee numbers and payroll figures, and even fabricated earnings statements for individuals who never worked for the company.
The fraudulent filings extended to tax documents, enabling him to secure approximately $163,302 in funding—much of which was later spent on personal expenses rather than business needs.
Authorities further revealed that Tataw attempted to obtain an additional $150,000 through an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) by again misrepresenting company revenues. In total, he admitted intent to defraud over $313,000.
Obstruction Attempt Deepens Legal Trouble
The case took a more serious turn in 2023 when Tataw sought to interfere with a federal grand jury investigation. After a witness was subpoenaed, he allegedly met her at a laundromat in Landover, Maryland, and handed over falsified documents.
Prosecutors say he instructed the witness to present the documents to the grand jury and falsely testify that she had been employed by his company. He also encouraged her to alter tax filings using a blank W-2 form to support the fabricated narrative.These actions formed the basis of his admission to obstruction of justice, compounding the severity of the charges against him.
Facing Decades Behind Bars
Tataw now faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for bank fraud. However, sentencing will ultimately be determined by a federal judge, who will consider established guidelines and statutory factors.
Separate Case Linked to Cameroon Conflict
Beyond the fraud case, Tataw is also facing a separate indictment from the U.S. Department of Justice. The charges allege he conspired to provide material support to armed separatist groups in Cameroon and issued threats targeting civilians.That case remains pending, adding an international dimension to an already high-profile prosecution.
Federal Agencies Praised
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the investigative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
She also recognized the prosecution team, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Wenner and Philip Motsay, alongside Christina Hoffman and paralegal Andrew Murray, for their role in advancing the case.
