FL Pastor Charged With $524,000 COVID Fraud Scheme

From the Justice Department:



US Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Henry Troy Wade (45, Ocala) with six counts of wire fraud related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act.

If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count. In addition, the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture for at least $524,400, which represents the proceeds of the conduct charged in the indictment.

According to the indictment, between May 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, Wade applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) loans and grants under the CARES Act on behalf of multiple businesses he claimed to own.

None of Wade’s purported businesses, however, were in operation during the requisite time period and were ineligible for an EIDL loan or grant.

As part of Wade’s scheme, he electronically submitted applications for the EIDL loans and grants over the internet, made false representations on his applications, and received EIDL loans and grants from the Small Business Association (“SBA”) through wire transfers over the internet into his bank accounts.