ATLANTA — A former Small Business Administration loan officer and two others pleaded guilty in pandemic fraud cases, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia.

Officials said Rena Barrett, a former SBA loan officer, pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with applications for more than $550,000 in fraudulent COVID-19 pandemic loans.

Evidence presented in court suggested that the 45-year-old, of Covington, Ga., submitted a fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan application for $170,000 in 2021. Officials said the SBA initially declined approval of the loan. However, she was accused of approving the loan herself -- just two months later.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said the SBA realized Barrett abused her position-- approving that loan

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