FORT MYERS, FL – Casey David Crowther, 35, of Fort Myers, Florida, is facing up to 30 years in federal prison after being arrested and charged with making a false statement to a lending institution, United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announced today. The charges stem from alleged misuse of funds obtained through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Crowther, the owner of Target Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., allegedly secured a loan exceeding $2 million by submitting fraudulent applications. According to the criminal complaint, Crowther falsely stated the funds would be used exclusively for legitimate business expenses – payroll, rent, utilities – to keep his workers employed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, within days of receiving the money, Crowther allegedly blew a hefty chunk – $689,417, to be exact – on a 40-foot catamaran, promptly registering it in his own name.
The PPP, authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, was designed to be a lifeline for struggling small businesses, offering forgivable loans to maintain jobs and cover essential costs. The program initially authorized $349 billion, later expanded by another $300 billion-plus, offering 1% interest rate loans with a 2-year maturity. The expectation was simple: use the funds to *keep people working*.
Federal investigators say Crowther’s actions represent a blatant betrayal of that intent. While businesses across the nation scrambled to survive, and millions of Americans faced economic hardship, Crowther allegedly treated the PPP as a personal slush fund, prioritizing luxury purchases over the needs of his employees and the purpose of the loan. The Secret Service is leading the investigation, digging deeper into Crowther’s financial dealings.
“This wasn’t a misunderstanding. This was a deliberate act of fraud,” a source close to the investigation told Grimy Times. “The funds were meant to help businesses stay afloat, not to finance lavish lifestyles.” The government maintains that the evidence will demonstrate a clear pattern of deception and misuse of taxpayer money.
Assistant United States Attorney Trent Reichling is prosecuting the case. It’s crucial to remember that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and Crowther is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. But with a potential 30-year sentence on the line, the stakes are incredibly high for the Fort Myers roofer.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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