Aaron B. Collins is accused of committing bank fraud and money laundering by using COVID-19 business relief funds on personal expenses like cars and cryptocurrency. He has pleaded not guilty.
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Indictment returned over COVID-19 loan fraud in Erie
An indictment unsealed in Erie federal court on Feb. 9, 2026, charges an Erie resident with misusing more than $633,000 in COVID-19 relief loans for businesses.
- Erie Aaron B. Collins, 50, has been indicted on federal charges that he misused over $633,000 in pandemic-era business loans.
- Collins is accused of using Paycheck Protection Program funds for personal expenses, including cars and cryptocurrency.
- The 16-count indictment returned in federal court in Erie alleges of bank fraud and money laundering.
The pandemic public health emergency ended nearly three years ago, but a case in federal court in Erie is dealing with…