BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The former owner of the Rapids Theatre was sentenced to 14 months in prison after receiving more than $1.8 million in COVID-19 relief funds from fraudulent loan applications, the United States Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.
Officials said that John L. Hutchins, 72, of Lewiston, filed fraudulent loan applications between March 2020 and March 2024 with co-defendant Roberto Soliman, 45, of Niagara Falls. Hutchins had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud in March 2025. Soliman was sentenced to 20 months in prison on Wednesday.
Officials said that the duo received loans totaling $1,885,383 between March 2020 and August 2020. Both were ordered to pay full restitution to the Small Business Administration…