Lee County man sentenced to prison for $1.35 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme

Lina Portman4 weeks ago

0 1 minute read

An Alva man was sentenced to one year and six months in prison for a $1.35 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. According to the State Attorney's Office, Evan Graves, 40, submitted 10 applications for the U.S. Small Business Economic Injury Disaster Loan. Administration of his businesses in Fort Myers. In each application, Graves falsely reported his company's number of employees, gross revenues, and loss of rental income due to COVID-19, in an attempt to qualify for large loans and advance financing. According to court documents, the SBA approved Graves' 10 loans and deposited approximately $1.35 million into his bank accounts. He then allegedly used the money to pay off personal credit card debt, fund personal investment accounts, satisfy mortgages and purchase real estate. The court ordered Graves to forfeit approximately $1.35 million and five Fort Myers properties that he purchased and financed with proceeds from his fraud.

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

An Alva man was sentenced to one year and six months in prison for a $1.35 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.

According to the State Attorney's Office, Evan Graves, 40, submitted 10 economic disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration for his Fort Myers businesses.

In each application, Graves falsely reported his business's number of employees, gross revenues, and loss of rental income due to COVID-19, in an attempt to qualify for large loans and cash advances.

According to court documents, the SBA approved Graves' 10 loans and deposited approximately $1.35 million into his bank accounts. He then allegedly used the money to pay off personal credit card debt, fund personal investment accounts, pay off mortgages and purchase real estate.

The court ordered Graves to forfeit approximately $1.35 million and five Fort Myers properties that he purchased and financed with proceeds from his fraud.