A small business program allowed Christopher Dawson to win big contracts if he promised to uplift Native Hawaiians. Instead, federal prosecutors allege, he used the money to line his own pockets.

  • Diverted Funds: Christopher Dawson won hundreds of millions in federal contracts by promising to help Native Hawaiians. Instead, prosecutors say, he bought luxury homes.

  • Poor Oversight: The Small Business Administration failed to police its business development program despite audits showing years of abuse.

  • Few Changes: Even after federal agents raided the company and the SBA threatened to terminate it from the program, Dawson’s firms continued to win massive contracts.