Former Tax Startup CEO Charged in $13.3 Million Fraud; Money Allegedly Funded Home, Tesla and Caribbean Wedding

Posted on September 9, 2026

FBI Latest Hate Crime Report: Hate Crimes Down Slightly in AmericaLOS ANGELES — The former CEO of a Los Angeles tax compliance startup has been charged with defrauding venture capital funds out of at least $13.3 million by allegedly inflating the company’s revenue and customer base and lying about her professional credentials, officials announced Wednesday.

Federal prosecutors allege that Shiloh Luckey, 42, of Inglewood, used some of the investors’ money to purchase a home and a Tesla and pay for her wedding on the Caribbean island of Anguilla.

Luckey, also known as Shiloh Johnson, was arrested Sunday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before she attempted to board a cruise ship for a vacation, according to the Justice Department.

She was released on bond following an appearance in the Southern District of Florida.

A federal grand jury indictment charges Luckey with nine counts of securities fraud, three counts of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud and two counts of money laundering.

If convicted, she could face up to 30 years in federal prison for bank fraud, up to 20 years for each securities fraud and wire fraud count, and up to 10 years for each money laundering count.

Quick Fact Checklist

  • 🔴 Defendant: Shiloh Luckey, also known as Shiloh Johnson
  • 🔴 Age: 42
  • 🔴 Residence: Inglewood, California
  • 🔴 Company: ComplYant App Inc.
  • 🔴 Amount allegedly obtained: At least $13.3 million
  • 🔴 Charges: Nine securities fraud counts, three wire fraud counts, one bank fraud count and two money laundering counts
  • 🔴 Personal purchases alleged: A home, Tesla and Caribbean wedding
  • 🔴 Additional allegation: A $1.5 million check-kiting scheme
  • 🔴 Company status: Ceased operations in September 2023
  • 🔴 Investigating agency: FBI
  • 🔴 Case status: Luckey has been charged and is presumed innocent

Prosecutors allege fabricated financial success

Shiloh Luckey, also known as Shiloh Johnson

Luckey founded ComplYant App Inc. in 2019 and served as its CEO. The company offered a subscription-based service designed to help small businesses navigate complicated tax regulations.

According to the indictment, Luckey solicited investments from September 2020 through September 2023 by presenting pitch decks, financial materials and investor updates that falsely inflated ComplYant’s revenue, customer base, subscriptions and cash reserves.

Prosecutors allege that Luckey claimed to be a licensed certified public accountant with extensive experience in tax management, accounting and regulatory compliance. She has never been a licensed CPA, the indictment states.

Based on those alleged misrepresentations, venture capital funds invested millions of dollars in ComplYant, believing it was a successful and growing startup.

Instead, prosecutors allege, Luckey diverted some of the money to pay personal expenses, including her home, Tesla and Caribbean wedding.

ComplYant eventually faced severe cash shortages and ceased operations in September 2023, causing investors to lose their entire investments, according to the indictment.

$1.5 million bad-check scheme alleged

The indictment also accuses Luckey of using a check-kiting scheme to help purchase her Inglewood home.

In September and October 2022, Luckey allegedly wrote a $1.5 million check from a ComplYant bank account that did not have enough money to cover it. Prosecutors say she deposited the check into another company account at a different bank and then wired the money to purchase the house before the first bank discovered that the check was worthless.

Luckey allegedly covered the resulting negative balance with new proceeds obtained through the securities fraud scheme.

The Securities and Exchange Commission previously filed a civil complaint accusing Luckey of raising more than $13 million through false claims about ComplYant’s business performance and her qualifications. The SEC alleged that she spent at least $2.2 million in company money for her personal benefit.

The criminal charges are allegations. Luckey is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Roach of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting it.

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