A Lee County man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a $1.35 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. Evan Graves, 40, of Alva, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for committing wire fraud in connection with the scheme.
According to court documents, Graves electronically submitted 10 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) between June 20 and July 23, 2020. In each application, Graves falsely represented his companies’ number of employees, gross revenues, and lost rental income due to the COVID-19 disaster to qualify for large loan amounts and advance funding.
The scheme resulted in the SBA approving Graves’ 10 loans and depositing approximately $1.35 million into bank accounts controlled by him. Graves then used the money to pay off personal credit card debt, fund personal investment accounts, satisfy mortgages, and purchase real estate.
The court also ordered Graves to forfeit approximately $1,355,600 and five Fort Myers properties he purchased or funded using proceeds of his fraud. Graves entered a guilty plea on December 13, 2023.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Simon Eth and Suzanne Nebesky. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted in March 2020 to provide immediate financial assistance to individuals, families, and organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Act authorized the SBA to offer EIDL funding to business owners negatively affected by the pandemic.
The sentencing of Graves serves as a reminder of the consequences of committing fraud and the importance of protecting taxpayer dollars. The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to holding individuals accountable for their actions.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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