Harrisburg, October 14, 2025

News Summary

Creed White, the former owner of Aluminum Alloys, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for defrauding COVID-19 relief programs. He was ordered to repay $11.5 million and to serve three years of supervised release post-sentence. White’s fraudulent scheme involved submitting over 120 false loan applications connected to businesses that were no longer operational, leading to significant financial misappropriation. His co-defendants also faced charges related to this case, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of COVID-19 relief program abuses.

Harrisburg

Creed White, a 67-year-old former owner of Aluminum Alloys in York County, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for defrauding COVID-19 relief programs. U.S. District Judge Jennifer Wilson handed down the sentence in federal court in Harrisburg, following White’s guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering nearly two years earlier.

The judge ordered White to serve a total of 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He has also been mandated to repay $11.5 million in restitution to the U.S. Small Business Administration, with potential assistance from co-defendants. White is required to start serving his sentence by November 7.

White’s current prison term will run concurrently with another 78-month sentence he received in a separate wire fraud case in New Jersey. Federal prosecutors charged him in November 2023 after they uncovered fraudulent activities tied to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs.

Fraudulent Activities and Financial Misuse

Between March 2020 and September 2022, White, along with employees, submitted over 120 fraudulent loan applications for small business loans and forgiveness. The applications were made on behalf of at least 18 companies that were no longer operating and were owned by White. Investigators revealed that the identities of 17 individuals were used to falsely represent them as business owners or executives.

In the fraudulent scheme, White and co-defendants fabricated numerous documents, including bank records, financial statements, forged IRS documents, and fabricated payroll rosters. Out of the 120 applications filed, 42 received approval, resulting in more than $11.5 million being deposited into accounts controlled by White.

The money acquired from these fraudulent activities was misappropriated for various expenses, including unauthorized capital improvements for Aluminum Alloys, debt payments, equipment purchases, and personal expenditures. Notably, White allegedly used some of the funds to buy a luxury car, a Porsche.

Background of the Case

White had been under home detention since March 2024 related to another federal case. In addition to White, two of his co-defendants, Kester Murray and Joseph Bailey, were charged in December 2024. Both pled guilty this year to charges of wire fraud and are also responsible for repaying portions of the restitution amount. Murray’s sentencing is scheduled for December 5, while Bailey’s is set for October 16.

As part of the sentencing, White has been ordered to forfeit several items connected to his fraudulent activities, including a plow, a hook lift, and nearly $552,000 seized from Aluminum Alloys. White’s attorney claimed that his business decisions were adversely affected by opioid addiction and financial stress but admitted that funds were used fraudulently.

Conclusion

The sentencing of Creed White marks a significant legal decision that highlights the ongoing scrutiny of fraudulent activities linked to COVID-19 relief programs, as authorities continue to pursue individuals involved in exploiting these essential resources.

Key Features of the Case

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• York Dispatch: Judge Stambaugh Could Bypass Trial in Federal Wire Fraud Case
• WCNC: SC Daycare Owner Sentenced in COVID-19 Relief Fraud
• Law360: PA Judge Accused of COVID Fraud Seeks Diversion Deal
• QC News: SC Daycare Owner Sentenced for $1M COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme
• Wikipedia: Fraud
• Google Search: COVID-19 Relief Fraud
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
• Google News: COVID-19 Fraud

Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL

The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.