Broward County Deputies Receive Lenient Sentences for Falsifying Pandemic Loan Applications
Two former Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO) deputies, Carolyn and Tracy Wade, have been sentenced for their involvement in a PPP loan fraud scheme, receiving lenient sentences despite breaching public trust.
Key Focus: Loan Fraud and Sentencing Discrepancies
- Loan Fraud: Falsely obtained $41,666 in COVID-19 relief funds.
- Sentences: Light sentences despite violations of public trust.
- Sentencing Discrepancies: Concerns raised over inconsistent sentences in PPP fraud cases.
PPP Loan Fraud Scandal in Broward County
The Wades are part of a larger group of BSO employees involved in PPP loan fraud.
Details of the Scandal
- Involved Parties: 20 BSO deputies and correctional officers.
- Fraudulent Applications: Submitted to obtain federal relief funds.
- Wade’s Business: Tracy Wade owned Wade Funeral Home since 2011.
- Falsified Documents: Falsified tax documents and income statements.
Fraudulent Loan Applications and Court Ruling
The Wades collaborated with a loan preparer to submit fraudulent applications.
Details of the Fraud
- Loan Preparer: Haydee Rivero.
- Collaboration: Paid Rivero $2,000 to fabricate IRS tax forms and income details.
- False Claims: Claimed to be sole business owners in need of relief.
- Misuse of Funds: Used funds for personal expenses instead of payroll.
- Sentencing Recommendations: Prosecutors recommended 14 months for Tracy and 10 months for Carolyn.
- Judge’s Lenient Sentences: Cited inconsistencies in PPP fraud sentencing.
Other Broward Deputies Involved in PPP Fraud
Several other BSO employees were charged in separate PPP fraud cases.
Other Cases
- Alexandra Acosta: Received four months in prison for a $20,180 loan.
- Stephanie D. Smith: Received seven months for falsified loan applications.
- Ernest Bernard Gonder Jr.: Received one year of house arrest for a $167,000 fraud.
- Kamalis Brevard Gonder: Received two years of probation for a $20,833 loan.
A Breach of Public Trust
Authorities condemned the deputies’ actions as a significant breach of public trust.
Authorities’ Statements
- Condemnation: Sheriff Gregory Tony condemned the deputies’ actions.
- Public Trust Violation: Involvement of law enforcement officers made it particularly alarming.
- Prosecution Efforts: Small Business Administration and federal agencies prosecuting fraud cases.
- Sentencing Concerns: Inconsistencies in sentencing raise concerns about fairness.
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