JACKSONVILLE, FL – A former Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office correctional officer is facing up to two decades in federal prison after admitting to a brazen scheme to steal COVID-19 relief funds. Deconna Burke, 34, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.
According to court documents, Burke fabricated an entire babysitting business to qualify for the loan, claiming a gross income of $98,000. The application, submitted in April 2021, was riddled with false statements regarding payroll and operating expenses. Burke backed up his lies with a falsified IRS Form 1040, exaggerating income and expenses for his nonexistent business.
The scheme worked. Burke successfully obtained a $20,415 PPP loan. Instead of using the funds as intended – to cover payroll – Burke immediately began withdrawing the money for personal use, including paying off a loan for a motorcycle. He then doubled down on the deception, filing a loan forgiveness application falsely claiming the entire $20,415 had been spent on payroll. The Small Business Administration (SBA) approved the fraudulent forgiveness request, effectively giving Burke a free $20,415.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office jointly investigated the case, uncovering the layers of deceit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Frein is prosecuting the case, with asset forfeiture handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mai Tran. No sentencing date has been set, but Burke faces a maximum penalty of 20 years behind bars and is expected to be ordered to pay full restitution to the government.
This case is part of a broader effort by the Department of Justice’s COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force, established in May 2021 to combat pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force aims to prosecute those responsible for exploiting relief programs and prevent future schemes. Authorities urge anyone with information about COVID-19 fraud to report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via their web complaint form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Burke’s actions represent a callous betrayal of public trust and a blatant disregard for the intent of the PPP program, designed to help struggling businesses and workers during a time of unprecedented crisis. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves toward sentencing and provide updates on any further developments.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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