Michigan Golf Club pays $440,000 settlement over alleged fraudulent pandemic loan

RICHLAND, Mich. (AP) — A southwest Michigan golf club has agreed to pay $440,000 to settle allegations that it improperly obtained a loan through a federal program during the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities said on Monday.

Gull Lake Country Club, near Richland in Kalamazoo County, was not eligible for a loan, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said.

A whistleblower filed a lawsuit against the club, and the federal government joined the case. The lawsuit names other Michigan golf clubs. Most of the documents in the case are under seal in federal court in Grand Rapids.

Under the Payroll Protection Program, certain businesses could receive forgivable loans to help them during the pandemic.

A phone message seeking comment from the Gull Lake club was not immediately returned.

“Today’s resolution demonstrates our continued commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars and investigating allegations of fraud on critical government programs,” Totten said.

The lawsuit was filed by Wade Riner, who will receive a portion of the settlement. He has filed similar lawsuits in other states.

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Michigan COVID-19 Fraud