How Much Prison Time Will I Get for COVID Relief Fraud in Fort Myers?

Federal and state authorities continue to prosecute cases of COVID relief fraud in Florida. The extent of this fraud is probably far greater than anyone could have imagined, and people face these allegations fairly regularly in Fort Myers. Whether you made an accounting mistake or you misinterpreted your eligibility for COVID relief, these allegations are quite serious. How much prison time can you expect if you’re found guilty of COVID relief fraud in Fort Myers?

Fort Myers Couple Sentenced to Years in Federal Prison for COVID Fraud 

If you’re wondering what might be possible if you’re found guilty of COVID relief fraud, consider a recent case involving a Fort Myers couple. In April of 2025, this couple was found guilty of stealing $3.4 million through false Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Paycheck Protection Program loans. As a result, one of these individuals was sentenced to eight years in prison, while the other was sentenced to three years behind bars.

Clearly, the consequences for COVID relief fraud in Florida can be quite serious. It is worth breaking down the specific offenses these individuals were convicted of and how they committed these crimes. The two main offenses in this case were wire fraud and bank fraud. When filing their PPP loan applications, the couple lied about the number of employees in their businesses and their monthly payroll expenses.

In addition, they stated that they would use their PPP funds to cover payroll, mortgage interest, lease payments, and utilities. In reality, they essentially took this money for themselves.

When filing their EIDL applications, the couple lied about their gross revenue and other financial information. Again, they lied about the number of employees in their businesses. Finally, they stated that they would use their EIDL funds to provide working capital. In reality, they essentially kept this money for themselves.

In total, the Small Business Administration approved 11 fraudulent EIDL loans, 8 PPP loans, and EIDL advances. This allowed the couple to receive $3.4 million, which they used to purchase three boats worth about $300,000. They also purchased various real estate properties, furniture, several vehicles, jewelry, and two dogs. Finally, they used $600,000 to purchase a completely different business.

Note that this is a particularly serious example of COVID relief fraud, and this might explain the relatively long prison sentences faced by this couple. If you received a smaller amount through an allegedly fraudulent application or simply made a mistake, you could face much less serious consequences – especially if you work with an experienced defense attorney.

Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fort Myers Help With COVID Relief Fraud? 

If you face allegations of COVID relief fraud, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Fort Myers and Naples as soon as possible. Specifically, you should work with a lawyer who has experience with federal crimes. COVID relief fraud is a federal crime, and it may result in federal prison sentences. The Foley & Wilson Law Firm has considerable experience with federal crime defense, so schedule a consultation with us today.

Sources: 

news.wgcu.org/2025-04-11/fort-myers-couple-sentenced-to-federal-prison-for-3-4-million-covid-relief-fraud-scheme

justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/fort-myers-couple-sentenced-federal-prison-34-million-covid-relief-fraud-scheme#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20indictment%20and,well%20as%20PPP%20approved%20lenders.