Boston Official Charged with Wire Fraud for Fabricated PPP Loan Application
Key Summary
Federal prosecutors have charged a Boston public official with wire fraud for allegedly submitting a fabricated application to obtain pandemic relief funds. Reuben Taylor, 40, of Boston, claimed nonexistent employment as an auto mechanic on his loan request, but his actual 2019 tax filing showed him as a municipal police officer. The Small Business Administration approved the forgiveness in September 2021, converting the loan to a taxpayer-funded grant.
Boston Official Charged with Wire Fraud for Fabricated PPP Loan Application
Case Overview
Federal prosecutors have charged a Boston public official with wire fraud for allegedly submitting a fabricated application to obtain pandemic relief funds. Reuben Taylor, 40, of Boston, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of wire fraud after claiming nonexistent employment as an auto mechanic on his loan request.
Background
Taylor has led the City of Boston’s Municipal Protective Services, an unarmed non-sworn security unit, since 2008. Charging documents state he filed for a $20,844 Paycheck Protection Program loan in April 2021 and attached a phony tax return showing $99,863 in contractor income from mechanical work. His actual 2019 tax filing instead reported $97,561 in wages as a municipal police officer and attached a Form W-2 from the City of Boston.
Investigation
Authorities say Taylor later sought forgiveness by claiming the money paid nonexistent employees. The Small Business Administration approved the forgiveness in September 2021, essentially converting the loan to a taxpayer-funded grant.
Implications
A conviction could bring up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Investigators from the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation and Boston Police Department examined the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office formed a Benefit and Voter Fraud Team in March 2026 to address rising fraud in federal programs.