TAMPA, FL – While everyday Americans struggled through the pandemic, a network of criminals saw opportunity in the deluge of federal aid. The Middle District of Florida has been quietly dismantling these schemes, with U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announcing a significant wave of prosecutions and asset recovery efforts. The scope of the fraud is staggering: over $51 million in attempted theft from programs designed to keep the country afloat.
The most brazen case revealed details of the “Robles Park” criminal enterprise, a Tampa-based organization that allegedly used COVID-19 fraud as just one component of a larger, violent operation. Keaujay Hornsby (26, Tampa), a/k/a “Plug”; Kareem Spann (27, Tampa), a/k/a “Reem”; and Tywon Spann (25, Tampa), a/k/a “Weez” have all pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy, linking their COVID-19 fraud to murder, assault, drug trafficking, and intimidation. Hornsby and Kareem Spann also admitted to violent crimes in aid of racketeering and discharging firearms. Eriaus Bentley (29, Tampa), along with the other three defendants, also pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit fraud and identity theft, and committing numerous acts of fraud and identity theft. The group allegedly exploited federal assistance programs while simultaneously terrorizing the Tampa streets.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force – formed in March 2020 – has so far resulted in 34 defendants being prosecuted. Twenty-five have already been convicted, with nine cases still pending. The Task Force targeted fraud related to the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), Unemployment Insurance (“UI”), and the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”). The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasizes this is not merely about prosecuting individuals, but about recovering the stolen funds and sending a message that such exploitation will not be tolerated.
Beyond the “Robles Park” crew, investigators uncovered a particularly audacious scheme orchestrated by Alexander Leszczynski (22, North Redington Beach), who remains pending trial. Leszczynski allegedly created fictitious charitable entities, including “Love & Bliss, Inc.,” to fraudulently obtain two PPP loans. He then engaged in a check kiting scheme, attempting to deposit $2.7 million in worthless checks into the Love & Bliss, Inc. account. Federal authorities managed to seize the PPP proceeds from an account controlled by Leszczynski. But the deception didn’t stop there – Leszczynski also filed fraudulent warranty deeds, falsely claiming ownership of 10 properties valued at over $300 million.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office isn’t just focused on criminal prosecution. The District’s Asset Recovery Division, working alongside federal seizing agencies, has already completed the forfeiture of over $14 million in fraudulently obtained PPP, EIDL, and UI funds. This recovered money represents a direct return to taxpayers who funded these vital programs. Handberg stated his office will continue to disrupt these fraud schemes and prosecute those who commit these crimes.
The ongoing investigation highlights the pervasive nature of COVID-19 fraud and the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down and prosecuting these schemes. While the Task Force has made significant strides, officials warn that the fight against pandemic-related fraud is far from over. The names of those already convicted and the details of their crimes serve as a stark reminder that exploiting a national crisis for personal gain carries severe consequences.
Related Federal Cases
- Antonio Hernandez-Vilar, Card Fraud Ring Leadership, Tampa FL, 2015 · Georgia
- Bradley Temple Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fund Embezzlement, … · Mississippi
- Bradley Temple Embezzled COVID Funds, Wheeling WV, 2023 · West Virginia
- Bradley Temple, COVID-19 Relief Money Embezzlement, Wheeling WV, 2023 · Virginia
- Bradley Temple Embezzled COVID Relief Funds, Wheeling WV, 2023 · Virginia
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
