Local Man Charged with Fraudulently Obtaining More Than $500,000 in COVID-19 Relief Funds

Learn about the case of Emmanuel Bully, Jr., charged with fraudulently obtaining over $500,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. Find out the details and legal consequences.

In a recent development, a local man has been charged with fraudulently obtaining over $500,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. Emmanuel Bully, Jr., a resident of Miami-Dade County, Florida, has been indicted for wire fraud after allegedly submitting false loan applications under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program. These loans, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, were intended to support businesses impacted by the pandemic. However, the indictment states that Bully falsely stated his companies’ average monthly payroll or gross revenues, leading to the receipt of substantial funds which he allegedly used for personal expenses. Following his arrest by the FBI, Bully now faces legal consequences for his alleged actions.

Background

Introduction to the case

In a recent case, Emmanuel Bully, Jr. of Miami-Dade County, Florida, has been charged with wire fraud for fraudulently obtaining more than $500,000 in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) loans. These loans are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Summary of charges

According to the indictment, Bully submitted six PPP and EIDL loan applications between April 29, 2020, and September 27, 2021, on behalf of himself and his four purported companies. Each application included false statements regarding the corporations’ average monthly payroll or gross revenues. As a result, Bully received over $500,000 in loan funds, which he then spent for personal use instead of approved expenses.

Indictment Details

Amount of fraudulently obtained funds

Emmanuel Bully, Jr. fraudulently obtained more than $500,000 in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) loans.

Types of loans obtained

Bully obtained both PPP loans and EIDL loans through his fraudulent activities. These loans were intended to provide financial assistance to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Small Business Administration guarantee

The Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees PPP loans and EIDL loans to encourage lenders to provide funding to eligible small businesses. The SBA’s guarantee helps mitigate the risk for lenders, making it easier for businesses to access the necessary funds.

Loans under the CARES Act

The PPP and EIDL loans that Bully fraudulently obtained are part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This legislation was enacted to provide economic relief to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fraudulent Activities

Timeframe of fraudulent activities

Emmanuel Bully, Jr. engaged in fraudulent activities between April 29, 2020, and approximately September 27, 2021. During this period, he submitted six fraudulent loan applications.

Number of false loan applications

Bully submitted a total of six fraudulent loan applications. These applications were submitted on behalf of himself and his four purported companies.

Falsification of payroll or gross revenues

In each loan application, Bully falsely stated the average monthly payroll or gross revenues of the corporations involved. These false statements were made to increase the likelihood of receiving larger loan amounts.

Consequences of the false applications

As a result of the false loan applications, Emmanuel Bully, Jr. received over $500,000 in PPP and EIDL loan funds. However, instead of using the funds for approved expenses such as payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, or utilities, Bully chose to spend the money for personal use and benefit.

Misuse of Loan Funds

Purpose of the loans

The PPP and EIDL loans were intended to provide financial assistance to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The loans were meant to help businesses cover payroll costs and other necessary expenses during this challenging time.

Personal use of the funds

Contrary to the intended purpose of the loans, Emmanuel Bully, Jr. used the EIDL and PPP loan proceeds for personal use and benefit. This misuse of funds is a violation of the terms and conditions set forth by the Small Business Administration.

Failure to use funds for approved expenses

Instead of using the loan funds for approved expenses such as payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, or utilities, Bully chose to divert the funds for personal use. This failure to adhere to the approved use of the funds is considered a violation of the loan agreement.

Arrest and Investigation

Attempted flight and arrest

Emmanuel Bully, Jr. was arrested by the FBI as he attempted to leave the country on an international flight on August 16, 2023. The arrest was made after earlier interviews conducted by FBI special agents regarding the alleged fraud.

FBI involvement and interview

The FBI was involved in the investigation of Emmanuel Bully, Jr.’s fraudulent activities. The agency conducted interviews with Bully as part of their efforts to gather evidence and build a case against him.

Role of the West Palm Beach Field Office

The FBI’s West Palm Beach Field Office played a significant role in the investigation of Emmanuel Bully, Jr. Their involvement helped gather crucial evidence and ensure that the case was thoroughly investigated.

Legal Proceedings

Initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge

Emmanuel Bully, Jr. made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Matthewman. During this appearance, the charges against Bully were presented, and he had the opportunity to respond to the allegations.

Presumption of innocence

It is important to remember that, as with any criminal case, Emmanuel Bully, Jr. is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The indictment and charges against him are allegations that will be tested and evaluated through the legal process.

Indictment as allegations

An indictment consists of allegations made by the prosecution. It is the formal document that outlines the charges against the defendant. However, it is essential to remember that an indictment does not prove guilt but rather initiates the legal proceedings against the accused.

Prosecution and prosecutor information

Emmanuel Bully, Jr.’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Shaw. The prosecutor’s role is to present the evidence against the defendant and argue for their guilt in court.

COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force

Establishment and purpose

The COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force was established by the Attorney General on May 17, 2021. The task force aims to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice and partner agencies to combat and prevent fraud related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic

The Department of Justice has taken proactive measures to respond to fraud related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The establishment of the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force is just one example of the department’s commitment to tackling pandemic-related fraud and holding accountable those who take advantage of government assistance programs.

Reporting fraud allegations

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721. Additionally, individuals can submit a report via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.

Resources and Information

National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF)

The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) is a resource provided by the Department of Justice to handle reports of fraud related to disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The NCDF is responsible for coordinating and investigating fraud allegations to ensure the integrity of government assistance programs.

Related court documents and information

For more information about the case against Emmanuel Bully, Jr., including related court documents, individuals can visit the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov. The specific case number for this indictment is 23-CR-80141.

District Court for the Southern District of Florida

The District Court for the Southern District of Florida is the federal court where proceedings related to Emmanuel Bully, Jr.’s case will take place. The court website provides access to case documents, information, and other resources for individuals seeking additional details.

Contact information for the U.S. Attorney’s Office

For inquiries or more information about the case, individuals can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. The office can provide updates, clarification, and assistance related to the case against Emmanuel Bully, Jr.

Related Cases

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Contact Information

U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Florida

For more information about the case against Emmanuel Bully, Jr. or any inquiries related to the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Florida, interested individuals can contact the office directly.

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