The fight against COVID-19-related fraud continues as the Middle District of Florida Task Force intensifies efforts to bring justice in the face of the pandemic's exploitation. According to a recent announcement by U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg, shared by the Department of Justice, the collective endeavor has notched substantial outcomes, with a focus on prosecution and asset recovery.
Combining forces, the task force, assembled in March 2020 includes federal, state, and local entities working together to uncover and prosecute scams targeting federal programs like the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans, among others. Since its launch through June 30, the joint operation has prosecuted 89 defendants tied to schemes amounting to an attempted defraud of over $84.5 million. "The Middle District of Florida United States Attorney’s Office continues to pursue, investigate, prosecute, and recover money from those who were engaged in fraud schemes designed to steal benefits intended for Americans coping with the myriad impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic," Handberg said in a recent statement, as detailed by the Department of Justice.
High-profile cases include Barrett Purvis who, in April 2024, was found guilty of wire fraud and money laundering regarding the misuse of a $500,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan intended for his business, which he used instead to pay off gambling and personal debts. Another case involved Evan Graves, sentenced to 18 months in prison, for fraudulently obtaining $1.35 million in EIDL funds, using them for personal expenditures and property purchases.
Asset recovery has also played a vital role in the task force's operations, with over $20 million of fraudulently obtained benefits confiscated, and more than $18 million pending seizure. The Asset Recovery Division and federal agencies are committed to stripping fraudsters of their ill-gotten resources and redirecting them back to the victimized programs and individuals.
