US Attorney Pirro announced that Strand Book Store, Inc. has agreed to pay $1,482,560
Because the New York City bookstore violated the False Claims Act by improperly applying for and receiving a second draw loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for which it was not
The Paycheck Protection Program was created to save American jobs, not to enrich those who aren’t eligible for taxpayer-funded relief, especially the wife of a U.S. Senator.
Strand Book Store, owned by Nancy Bass Wyden, wife of U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, received $932,350 in second draw PPP funds despite a federal law barring businesses controlled by a member of Congress or their spouse from receiving those loans.
Our Fraud and Asset Recovery Division will expose this abuse, pursue those who exploit taxpayer dollars, and hold them accountable. No one gets a pass when it comes to defrauding the American taxpayer.
The Paycheck Protection Program was created to save American jobs, not to enrich those who aren’t eligible for taxpayer-funded relief, especially the wife of a U.S. Senator. Strand Book Store, owned by Nancy Bass Wyden, wife of U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, received $932,350 in second draw PPP funds despite a federal law barring businesses controlled by a member of Congress or their spouse from receiving those loans. Our Fraud and Asset Recovery Division will expose this abuse, pursue those who exploit taxpayer dollars, and hold them accountable. No one gets a pass when it comes to defrauding the American taxpayer.
— US Attorney Pirro (@USAttyPirro)November 3, 2026