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Florida Father-Son Duo Charged in $8M COVID-19 Fraud
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL – A brazen scheme to siphon over $8 million from the federal government’s COVID-19 relief programs has landed a Florida father and son in federal court. Evan Edwards (64, New Smyrna Beach) and Joshua Edwards (30, New Smyrna Beach) have been indicted on multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and visa fraud. The pair allegedly fabricated details about a non-profit organization to qualify for a massive Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
According to the indictment unsealed today, the Edwardses conspired to defraud an FDIC insured lending institution through Aslan International Ministry, Inc., a supposedly religious organization. They claimed Aslan employed nearly 500 people and boasted over $2 million in average monthly payroll expenses – a gross exaggeration, authorities say. This fabricated information secured them approximately $8,417,200 in PPP funds, which were then diverted for personal use, including a down payment on a multi-million-dollar home.
The fraud didn’t stop there. The indictment further alleges that both Evan Edwards and Joshua Edwards made false statements on immigration documents, specifically Form I-485 Applications to Register as Permanent Resident or Adjust Status, in June 2022. This adds another layer of criminal activity to an already complex case, suggesting a pattern of deception. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has already seized over $8 million in proceeds linked to the alleged scheme.
If convicted on the conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud charges, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison per count. The visa fraud charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison per count. Joshua Edwards also faces up to 30 years for making a false statement to a lending institution. The U.S. Attorney’s Office intends to forfeit any property obtained through the fraudulent activities.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Smyrna Beach Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kara M. Wick is prosecuting the case, which falls under the Department of Justice’s broader initiative to combat fraud related to CARES Act relief programs.
This case underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to holding accountable those who exploited the CARES Act, designed to provide vital financial assistance to Americans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. An indictment is merely an accusation, and both Evan Edwards and Joshua Edwards are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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