SANFORD, Fla. — A Central Florida man is accused of stealing nearly $1 million in CARES Act money meant to help struggling businesses during the pandemic.
Prosecutors said he used the money that he obtained to go on a spending spree, even buying a house, car, truck, motorcycle, diamond engagement ring and a wedding band.
READ: Frustrations continue with Florida’s unemployment website
Devron Brown, 50, formed his business, Just Us Construction, Inc., in Philadelphia more than a decade ago.
Even though his business license expired three years ago and he moved to Florida. He filed for money through the Paycheck Protection Program, part of the CARES Act to help those in need during the pandemic.
READ: Tropical Storm Danny forms off South Carolina coast
Federal investigators said Brown made false claims that he had 25 employees and received nearly $1 million in PPP money.
He’s now facing bank fraud and money laundering charges.
READ: Challenge coins being collected for Daytona Beach police officer shot in the head on duty
This browser does not support the video element.