Federal prosecutors in Tampa have charged eleven individuals with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and multiple counts of wire fraud related to COVID-19 relief programs. According to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, the indictment names Sherell Breus, Jessie Perlado, Candice Harper, Yashica Carter, Brandon Thomas, Antwaun Jonson, Jessica Sejour, Tameshia Roberson, Vance Houston, and Raymound Carvil Sr. The defendants are accused of participating in a scheme between April 2020 and June 2021 that targeted federal relief funds intended for small businesses during the pandemic.
The indictment alleges that the group submitted fraudulent applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans through the Small Business Administration. These programs were established under the CARES Act to support businesses affected by COVID-19. Prosecutors say the applications included false documentation such as fabricated IRS tax forms. After receiving more than $2 million in relief funds through these means, some of the money was allegedly transferred among accounts controlled by co-conspirators.
If convicted on all charges, each defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison per count. The government is also seeking forfeiture of approximately $2.29 million believed to be connected to the alleged offenses.
In a separate case, Neil Bryant has been indicted on one count of wire fraud for allegedly submitting a fraudulent EIDL application worth $52,400. He also faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Authorities emphasized that indictments are formal accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigations were conducted by the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer will prosecute both cases.
Members of the public who have information about suspected COVID-19-related fraud can report it through the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud web complaint form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
