Yes – Florida Is Still Convicting People of COVID-19 Fraud

Although the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, authorities continue to crack down on pandemic-related fraud throughout the nation. In fact, it is one of the most prosecuted federal offenses in Florida today – especially in regard to white-collar crimes in Fort Myers. Take a look at the latest updates on the Florida Department of Justice website, and you will find numerous cases involving COVID-19 fraud. Authorities take this offense very seriously and will likely continue to prosecute defendants for years to come. If you are facing these charges, contact an experienced federal crime defense lawyer.

Former SWAT Team Operator Convicted of COVID-19 Fraud

 In June of 2024, the Justice Department announced that a former SWAT Team operator and Broward deputy sheriff had been convicted of COVID-19 fraud. Specifically, the defendant was found guilty of making false statements to the Small Business Administration and wire fraud.

The offenses began in 2021, when the defendant applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. She received the loan after presenting herself as a small business owner and sole proprietor, claiming that she had a small realty company. She also made false statements about her average monthly income and made two falsified IRS tax statements. As a result, she received $20,000. The Justice Department states that she faces up to 20 years in prison for the single count of wire fraud – plus a further five years for conspiracy and 2 years for each of the two false statements. A co-conspirator was previously sentenced to 100 hours of community service for similar offenses.

Urban Musician Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Fraud 

A few days later, the Justice Department announced that another individual had admitted to committing COVID-19 fraud. This time, the defendant was an urban music producer. The crime was very similar, involving a PPP loan application for his music production company. Although the company itself was legitimate, the defendant made various false statements about its financial details. For example, he inflated the number of employees and the company’s payroll expenses. In addition, he filed two falsified IRS tax forms along with his PPP loan application.

As a result of these false statements, the defendant secured $600,000. He then spent more than $100,000 of the money on personal expenses. As part of the plea deal, the defendant agreed to forfeit $113,000.

Find a White-Collar Crime Defense Lawyer in Fort Myers 

Contact The Foley & Wilson Law Firm if you have been charged with white-collar crimes in Fort Myers. COVID-19 fraud is one of the most common white-collar crimes in Florida today, and authorities take this offense very seriously. If you are facing this specific charge, you should approach your case with an equally serious mindset. We have considerable experience with both white-collar crimes and federal offenses, and we can help you develop a suitable defense strategy. Book your consultation with our Fort Myers criminal defense lawyers today to get started.

Sources: 

justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/broward-deputy-sheriff-and-swat-team-member-convicted-trial-covid-19-relief-fraud

justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/hip-hop-artist-pleads-guilty-covid-19-fraud-scheme