A Deepwater, Missouri, man has been brought to justice for his role in a multi-million dollar CARES Act fraud scheme.
Brian Ruth, Sr., 44, pleaded guilty in federal court today to fraudulently obtaining more than $500,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
According to court documents, Ruth applied online in May and June 2020, and received three PPP loans totaling $522,765 for three separate business entities. Each of the loan applications contained materially false statements and included fraudulent supporting documents.
Ruth falsely claimed his three businesses were operational and employed numerous individuals in February 2020, when in reality, the businesses had not been open or operational and did not employ any other individuals.
Under federal statutes, Ruth is subject to a sentence of up to 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Ruth also admitted that he directed the fraudulently obtained PPP loan proceeds to be wired to his bank accounts. He used the proceeds to purchase a 2016 Cadillac, a 2020 Dodge Charger, and a 2017 Dodge Challenger. Ruth traded the Cadillac and the Charger (along with $27,415) to purchase the Challenger.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Carney and Nhan Nguyen. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Ruth’s sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
Defendant: Brian Ruth, Sr.
Criminal Charges: Wire fraud, money laundering.
City and State: Deepwater, Missouri.
Exact Date: Not specified.
Sentence or Outcome: Up to 40 years in federal prison without parole.
Dollar amounts: $522,765, $27,415.
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Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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