FORT MYERS, FL – Casey David Crowther, 35, of North Fort Myers, is staring down the barrel of a potential 30-year prison sentence after being indicted on federal fraud charges related to the COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the charges Tuesday, alleging Crowther siphoned over $2 million in relief funds for personal gain, trading pandemic assistance for a 40-foot catamaran.
According to the indictment, Crowther, owner of Target Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc., submitted bogus applications to an insured financial institution in April 2020. He falsely claimed the $2,098,700 in PPP funds would be used for legitimate business expenses – retaining employees, covering payroll, and paying bills. Instead, investigators say, Crowther wired $689,417 directly to purchase the luxury boat and another $100,000 towards a $722,474 promissory note.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed in March 2020, was intended to be a lifeline for struggling Americans and businesses during the pandemic. The PPP, a key component of the CARES Act, authorized nearly $350 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses, offering a pathway to keep workers employed and businesses afloat. The program, while intended to help, quickly became a magnet for fraud, as unscrupulous individuals like Crowther allegedly exploited the system for personal enrichment.
Federal prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of both the 2020 40-foot catamaran and the $2,098,700 allegedly obtained through the fraudulent scheme. Crowther is charged with one count of bank fraud, one count of making a false statement to a lending institution, and two counts of illegal monetary transactions. The bank fraud and false statement charges each carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison, while each illegal monetary transaction count carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years.
The Secret Service led the investigation into Crowther’s alleged scheme, highlighting the agency’s increasing role in combating pandemic-related financial crimes. Assistant United States Attorney Trent Reichling will prosecute the case. An indictment is not a conviction; Crowther is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the charges represent a serious blow to the defendant and a stark reminder that those who attempt to defraud federal programs will be held accountable.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it progresses through the federal court system. The rampant abuse of the PPP program, fueled by desperation and greed, continues to be a major focus of federal law enforcement, with investigations ongoing across the nation. The government hopes this indictment sends a clear message: stealing from pandemic relief is a serious crime with serious consequences.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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