The programs were authorized by Congress to help millions of people and businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHOOL BACKPEDALS URINAL BAN AFTER BATHROOM ACCESS DEBATE

The indictment alleges that Gauthier listed the dead individuals in some loan applications as owners or employees of the fictitious companies, and submitted false tax documents and counterfeit driver's licenses. He was charged with multiple counts of wire fraud, attempted wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

Gauthier was taken into custody Thursday. A message seeking comment was left with his lawyer.