Jenilea Pena, a local business owner in Sulphur, was indicted for wire fraud and falsifying statements related to nearly $100,000 in federal funds issued to small business owners during the COVID pandemic. The indictment filed in federal court alleges that Pena owned a 25 percent stake in Planet Nutrition and applied for a small business loan through the CARES Act in 2020 without the knowledge of the majority owner.
According to the indictment, Pena submitted documents to the Small Business Association claiming she was representing the other owners and the business. However, it is alleged that Pena used the $97,000 loan for her own personal use instead of for the business as required. To maintain compliance with the SBA, Pena is accused of submitting a forged document that she claimed was signed by the majority owner.
Pena was indicted on March 20, 2024 and has pleaded not guilty. Her bond has been set at $10,000. The case remains ongoing and Pena is facing serious charges related to misuse of federal funds intended to support small businesses during the pandemic. If convicted, these alleged actions could have far-reaching impacts on both Pena and Planet Nutrition.
The consequences of this alleged misconduct could also impact other small businesses who received funding through Planet Nutrition’s account. As such, this case highlights the importance of transparency and honesty when applying for government assistance during times of crisis.
