Steeve Jean, 36, pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and unauthorized use of a Social Security number. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper has scheduled the sentencing for November 29, 2023, as reported by the Department of Justice.
Jean's actions were vast and varied, stretching from September 2021 through June 2022. According to the DOJ, he rented an apartment in Lynn under an assumed name and did not pay rent, ultimately vacating the premises when faced with eviction.
Furthermore, Jean submitted two fraudulent federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications, claiming business losses for a business that simply did not exist. This revelation is further nuanced by the knowledge that Jean was serving a state prison sentence during the period he claimed to be running a business.
The charges against Jean are substantial, reflecting the severe weight of his actions. The charge of wire fraud alone can carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, while the charge of unauthorized use of a Social Security number can result in up to five years in prison. These sentences are imposed upon the basis of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
