Duluth man charged with COVID-19 relief fraud, identity theft in 16 count federal indictment

A Duluth man has been charged with COVID-19 relief fraud, identity theft and illegal possession of firearms in a 16-count indictment.

According to allegations in a release from the US Attorney’s Office, from at least April through August of 2020, 34-year-old Jared John Fiege devised and executed a scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 relief through Unemployment Insurance and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.

Fiege allegedly submitted fake applications for UI benefits and EIDL assistance using stolen names, birth dates and social security numbers of at least 25 people.

While applying for EIDL assistance, Fiege allegedly invented fake business entities which he linked to the identities of real people without their knowledge or consent. Fiege also impersonated people through multiple cell phones, numerous email addresses, fraudulent passports and fake bank accounts.

According to the allegations, Fiege also possessed two firearms which, due to previous felony convictions, Fiege is prohibited from possessing.

In total, Fiege is charged with five counts of mail fraud, four counts of wire fraud, two counts of bank fraud, four counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.