A Lakeland man has been indicted on multiple counts of wire fraud, accused of making fraudulent claims to secure federal COVID-19 relief funds. Jeanty Cherilus, 54, faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each of the five counts if convicted, according to a statement released by the United States Attorney's Office.
The case against Cherilus alleges that he, as the owner of Natransusa Corporation, submitted false applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The applications purportedly contained fabricated information about employee numbers and payroll expenses, with the intention to eventually use the funds for personal enrichment. Cherilus's company NATRANS, which offers automobile salvage and transportation services, was not entitled to the relief funds under the terms presented in their requests.
The indictment also pursues forfeiture of $370,000, reported as proceeds from the fraudulent activity. The investigation was a collaborative effort by the U.S. Agency for International Development - Office of Inspector General and the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Pizzo will be leading the prosecution.
Details outlined in the indictment indicate that after receiving the funds, Cherilus allegedly used them for purposes not authorized by the loan’s terms. Despite the gravity of the charges, it is crucial to note that an indictment does not equate to evidence of guilt. As per standard procedure in the U.S. justice system, Cherilus is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
Those seeking additional information or wishing to report suspected fraud can visit the Department of Justice’s official coronavirus and combating fraud webpages. Additionally, a hotline managed by the Department's National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) is available for reporting allegations.
