An Atlanta-area man is facing federal charges after allegedly faking a coronavirus diagnosis to get out of work.
Santwon Antonio Davis, 34, was arrested by the FBI for allegedly submitting a bogus medical excuse record relating to the virus that forced his Fortune 500 employer to close for a cleaning and sent several colleagues into unnecessary quarantine.
The cleaning and disinfecting cost the company $100,000.
“The defendant caused unnecessary economic loss to his employer and distress to his coworkers and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak in a statement.
“We will take quick action through the Georgia COVID-19 Task Force to put a stop to criminals preying on Georgia companies and the public with Coronavirus-related fraud schemes.”
Davis, 34, of Marrow, Georgia, is charged with defrauding his Atlanta-based employer, which was left anonymous in the Thursday announcement from the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
He has since admitted to never contracting the virus, according to prosecutors.
“Scammers continue to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic through a variety of means,” said Chris Hacker, the special agent in charge of FBI Atlanta.
Davis is a convicted felon who has served three brief stints in prison since 2006, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He’s been convicted of theft, criminal trespassing and criminal damage to property.
