A shocking case of COVID relief fraud has come to light in Ocala, Florida, as Marina Tusca Brooks Stewart (62, Groveland) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to COVID relief. This guilty plea comes as a result of a thorough investigation by the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General.
According to the United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, Stewart faces up to 20 years in federal prison for her role in defrauding the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). In addition to the prison sentence, Stewart is also facing a forfeiture order of $10,000, which represents the proceeds she obtained through this offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
The case against Stewart began during the COVID pandemic, when the SBA offered Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advances that did not need to be repaid. These advances were intended for small businesses in low-income communities that had received a reduction in revenue of more than 30% during an eight-week period. However, between June 28 and 30, 2020, Brooks devised a scheme to defraud the SBA by electronically applying for an EIDL advance and providing false representations in her application.
Based on her false representations, Stewart fraudulently received a $10,000 EIDL advance. This was a clear abuse of the system, and the investigation by the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General was able to uncover the truth behind Stewart’s actions. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
The guilty plea from Stewart serves as a warning to others who may be considering attempting to defraud the government. The Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting cases of disaster-related fraud, including COVID-19 related fraud. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by visiting the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
In conclusion, the case of Marina Tusca Brooks Stewart is a stark reminder of the consequences of attempting to defraud the government. With the potential for up to 20 years in federal prison and a forfeiture order of $10,000, Stewart’s actions will have serious repercussions. As the investigation and prosecution of COVID relief fraud continue, it is essential for individuals to come forward with any information they may have to help bring those responsible to justice.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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