LEHIGH ACRES, FL – A Lehigh Acres couple is facing a mountain of federal charges after allegedly exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to line their own pockets. Amber Rewis Bruey, 34, and Anthony James Bruey, 35, were indicted this week, accused of a brazen scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration (SBA) out of $881,058.35 in Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds.
According to the indictment unsealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Brueys weren’t just opportunistic; they were already on probation for prior state criminal charges when they allegedly began submitting falsified loan applications in April 2020. The applications were riddled with lies – about their criminal history, business operation dates, employee counts, and reported revenues. To bolster their deception, they allegedly submitted completely fabricated federal income tax documents.
The scheme worked. The SBA and PPP lenders approved six EIDL loans and six PPP loans, totaling $881,058.35. Instead of using the funds to keep a legitimate business afloat, or to pay employees as intended by the CARES Act, the Brueys allegedly splurged. The ill-gotten gains were used to purchase a $211,457 residence in North Carolina, a 2019 GMC Yukon XL SUV, a 2020 Honda Talon recreational vehicle, and even a $23,566 restitution payment for Amber Bruey’s previous criminal case – a cynical attempt to appear compliant while continuing a pattern of fraud.
The charges against the Brueys are serious. Amber Rewis Bruey faces one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, ten counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and four counts of illegal monetary transactions. Each count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. The conspiracy to commit money laundering charge carries a 10-year maximum, as do the four counts of illegal monetary transactions. Anthony James Bruey faces similar charges: one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and two counts of illegal monetary transactions, all with comparable maximum penalties.
Federal prosecutors are also seeking to seize assets allegedly purchased with the fraudulent funds. The government intends to forfeit the North Carolina property, the 2019 GMC Yukon XL, the 2021 Chevrolet Spark LS, the 2020 Honda Talon, the 2020 Polaris RZR, and the remaining $881,058.35. The CARES Act, enacted in March 2020, was designed to provide a lifeline to Americans struggling during the pandemic. This case highlights how quickly and ruthlessly criminals attempted to exploit the program for personal gain.
The PPP program authorized up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses, while the EIDL program aimed to provide economic relief to businesses experiencing revenue loss. The Brueys’ alleged actions represent a betrayal of that intent and a callous disregard for the millions of Americans who legitimately needed assistance during a time of crisis. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the case proceeds.
Related Federal Cases
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- Domenico Dom Rabuffo, Mortgage Fraud Scheme, Miami FL, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Mae Rabuffo, Mortgage Fraud Scheme Participant, Miami FL, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Henry Dorvil, Identity Theft and Tax Fraud, Miami FL, 2023 · North Carolina
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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