Former co-owner of central Ohio bar pleads guilty to federal wire fraud

A man now based in Florida who formerly served as a co-owner of Stadium Bar in Gahanna (which is now closed) has pleaded guilty to federal charges.

On Tuesday, 40 year-old James P. Dawson, currently living in Orlando, pled guilty to federal wire fraud charges stemming from five coronavirus relief Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans and four Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.

According to court documents, Between April and October of 2020, Dawnson’s applications allegedly sought a total of $1.1 million, more than $200,000 of which was paid out.

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The attorney’s office said Dawson made false claims about Stadium Bar on his loan applications in relation to the business’ monthly payroll expenses, the number of employees and the operations of the business. Additionally, his application stated that the business was in operation before Feb. 15, 2020, which the attorney’s office said was not true.

Wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Dawson has not been sentenced yet. 

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