ORLANDO, FL – Robert William Burns, III, 44, of Rockledge, Florida, has admitted to defrauding the federal government out of over $57,000 in COVID-19 relief funds, according to court documents unsealed today. Burns pleaded guilty to wire fraud, a charge that carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. No sentencing date has been set.
The scheme, perpetrated in 2021, involved applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans intended to support two of Burns’ businesses: RB3 Ventures LLC and The Social Wizards. Federal investigators say Burns didn’t just apply – he lied. In multiple applications, Burns knowingly falsified information to inflate the financial picture of his companies, securing larger payouts than he was entitled to.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed that Burns backed up his fraudulent claims with fabricated and fictitious tax documents. The total amount illicitly obtained through this deception amounted to $57,186. But instead of using the funds to keep his businesses afloat, as the PPP program intended, Burns spent every penny on personal expenses, enriching himself while legitimate businesses struggled.
The investigation, a joint effort between the U.S. Secret Service and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, uncovered the scheme and brought Burns to justice. Agents traced the funds and established a clear pattern of misuse, solidifying the case against him. The Secret Service has been heavily involved in investigating COVID-19 related fraud since the start of the pandemic.
As part of a plea agreement reached with prosecutors, Burns has agreed to forfeit the entire $57,186. He will also be required to make full restitution to the U.S. Small Business Administration, effectively paying back the stolen funds. Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan is prosecuting the case, aiming to secure a substantial prison sentence for Burns.
This case serves as a stark reminder that those who exploit disaster relief programs for personal gain will be held accountable. The Grimy Times will continue to track this case and report on the sentencing, ensuring transparency and accountability in the pursuit of justice. Burns’ actions represent a betrayal of trust and a slap in the face to struggling businesses that legitimately relied on PPP funds to survive.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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