When it came to the COVID-19 pandemic relief CARES Act, there were no parts, large or small, that were ignored by fraudsters. To support communities and local governments that were struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government distributed emergency funding to local governments to maintain vital local services. A small part in comparison to larger parts like unemployment benefits or business loans. But vital all the same. And and opportunity for fraud all the same.
Pike County local governments authorized the distribution of these funds through grants that were allocated for the purchase of turnout gear for fire and rescue, along with equipment and building maintenance. Former Fire Chief of the Blackberry Volunteer Fire Department, Christopher Champman applied for these grants on behalf of BVFD. Of which Pike County awarded him the full amount of the grants. None of which he was eligible for. And he knew it. Because he hadn’t even established his company yet.
On April 11, 2022, Chapman created a company named Rural Public Safety Equipment, LLC. He then informed members of the BVFD that he could obtain fire safety equipment at cost from a safety equipment company. The fire department pre-paid and ordered $76,854.50 worth of fire and safety equipment from RPSE. However, instead of using the prepayments from BVFD to fulfill the orders (and giving his buddies the equipment they deserved to keep safe) Chapman withdrew all the money into cash and spent the money on his own personal expenses.
On August 23, 2025, Chapman was found guilty. He is scheduled to appear for sentencing on November 25, 2024.
Today’s Fraud of The Day is based on article “Former Blackberry Volunteer Fire Chief Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Fraud” published by the Appalachian News Express on August 23, 2024.
The former chief of the Blackberry Volunteer Fire Department pleaded guilty Aug. 20 in federal court to stealing COVID-19 funds intended for use by the department. According to court documents, on Aug. 20 in Lexington, Christopher Chapman, 35, of Upper Blackberry Creek Road, Ransom, pleaded guilty to a charge of federal program theft related to theft of American Rescue Plan Act funds.
The American Rescue Plan Act was passed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and, according to a statement from the office of U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky Carlton S. Shier IV, was intended to support struggling communities and local governments maintain vitals services.
