The Brief
- Eleven people were indicted after federal officials say they orchestrated a scheme to steal more than $2.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds meant to support small businesses struggling during the pandemic.
- Officials say the group, led by Breus, submitted fraudulent loan applications to the Small Business Administration for Economic Injury Disaster and Paycheck Protection Program loans.
- If convicted, each person could face up to 20 years in prison per count. The indictment states prosecutors are also seeking forfeiture for the fraud, totaling $2,294,734.50.
TAMPA, Fla. – Eleven people were indicted after federal officials say they orchestrated a scheme to steal more than $2.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds meant to support small businesses struggling during the pandemic.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the charges, which include one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and nine counts of wire fraud against Sherell Breus, 40, of ChampionsGate; Jessie Perlado, 63, of Lakeland; Candice Harper, 37, of Pooler, GA; Yashica Carter, 40, of Fort Lauderdale; Brandon Thomas, 39, of ChampionsGate; Antwaun Jonson, 39, of Delray Beach; Jessica Sejour, 33, of Greenacres; Tameshia Roberson, 44, of Winter Haven; Vance Houston, 30, of Oakland Park; and Raymound Carvil Sr., 61, of Fort Lauderdale.
Timeline:…