LEHIGH ACRES, FL – A Lehigh Acres couple is facing a hefty reckoning after admitting to a brazen scheme to steal over $881,058 in COVID-19 relief funds. Amber Rewis Bruey, 35, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud (10 counts), conspiracy to commit money laundering, and illegal monetary transactions. Her husband and co-conspirator, Anthony James Bruey, previously copped to the same charges on February 4th.
The Brueys, between April and June of 2020, allegedly flooded the Small Business Administration (SBA) with 26 fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds. These weren’t honest mistakes; court documents reveal a litany of lies about dates of operation, payroll, revenue, employee numbers, and even criminal histories of applicants.
The scheme worked. Twelve of the fraudulent applications were approved, showering the couple with $881,058.35. Instead of using the funds as intended – to keep small businesses afloat during the pandemic – the Brueys splurged. The ill-gotten gains were used to purchase a $211,457 residence in North Carolina, a 2019 GMC Yukon SUV, a 2020 Honda Talon, and even a $23,566 restitution payment related to a prior criminal case for Amber Bruey. A cynical purchase, to say the least.
Both Amber and Anthony Bruey now face a maximum of 30 years in federal prison for each count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, 10 years for conspiracy to commit money laundering, and another 10 years for each of the four counts of illegal monetary transactions. A sentencing date has not yet been set, but federal prosecutors are expected to push for significant prison time.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed in March 2020, was intended to be a lifeline for Americans struggling through the pandemic. The PPP and EIDL programs were key components, offering forgivable loans to small businesses. The Brueys exploited this system, prioritizing personal gain over the needs of those genuinely impacted by the crisis. The PPP loans allowed qualifying businesses two-year terms at 1% interest, with funds designated for payroll, mortgage interest, rent and utilities. The EIDL program provided working capital for businesses experiencing revenue loss.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service, a surprising turn given their usual focus. Assistant United States Attorneys Trent Reichling and Suzanne Nebesky are prosecuting the case. This case serves as a stark reminder that exploiting disaster relief programs won’t go unnoticed, and those who attempt to profit from a crisis will be held accountable. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves toward sentencing.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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