ORLANDO, Fla. — A Rockledge businessman has pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced.
Robert William Burns, III, 44, faces up to 20 years in federal prison after admitting to fraudulently securing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans intended for COVID-19 relief.
Mr Burns, who applied for the loans in 2021 to support two businesses, RB3 Ventures LLC and The Social Wizards, reportedly inflated his company’s income and submitted fictitious tax documents to obtain a larger payout.
According to the plea agreement, Burns fraudulently secured a total of $57,186 in PPP funds, which he spent on non-business expenses. As part of the agreement, he has agreed to forfeit the entire amount and provide restitution to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan is prosecuting the case.
