Prosecutors allege that from April 2020 through May 2021, DiPietro submitted or arranged more than 20 loan applications in the names of several Maryland businesses and similarly named entities. The applications sought more than $7.5 million. Eight were funded, sending more than $2.5 million to bank accounts under her control, according to the indictment.

The businesses included H.M.C. Inc., Holdings Management Company Inc. and Kinetic Capital LLC. Prosecutors say DiPietro served as president and chief executive of multiple companies.

The government alleges the applications used false employer identification numbers, omitted earlier PPP applications and included false statements about whether the businesses had previously received loans. Prosecutors also allege that some loan money went toward expenses prohibited by the program, including renovations to DiPietro’s home. These are allegations; DiPietro has pleaded not guilty.

Congress established the PPP during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide potentially forgivable loans to small businesses for approved costs such as payroll, rent, utilities and mortgage interest.

Court documents describe conditions of DiPietro’s release that include surrendering her passport, not obtaining new travel documents and limiting travel to the United States. She is also barred from opening bank accounts or credit lines and must inform any new employer of the indictment, according to the documents.

If convicted, she could face up to 30 years in prison on each of the six counts.