NORTH REDINGTON SHORES, FL - A man is facing fraud charges after he created a fake pardon by former President Donald Trump to avoid prosecution for fraud charges.
The Department of Justice says 22-year-old Alexander Leszczynski attempted to seize $300 million worth of properties using fictitious charitable organizations to engage in fraud.
Investigators say Leszczynski fraudulently applied for and received two Payroll Protection Plan loans, totaling about $195,910.
Leszczynski also tried to deposit $2.7 million of worthless checks into one of the charity entities, before laundering the money through multiple accounts.
The United States government froze one of Leszczynski's accounts that held over $300,000.
According to the DOJ, when Leszczynski found out, he responded by producing a fabricated pardon he claimed was signed by former President Trump.
Leszczynski faces federal charges of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering.
If convicted, he faces a maximum of 30 years in prison.