Lehigh Acres man arrested in multi-million COVID-19 relief fraud

FLORIDA — A Lehigh Acres man has been arrested on charges related to a multi-million-dollar COVID-19 relief fraud scheme, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO) has announced.

According to the USAO, Lester John Parker, Jr., 55, of Lehigh Acres, is facing 15 counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, and engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived property.

Mr Parker is accused of submitting fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications that included falsified bank statements and IRS documents, resulting in more than $3 million in fraudulent loan payouts between 2020 and 2021.

If convicted, Parker faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each conspiracy and wire fraud count, up to 10 years for access device fraud, and two years for aggravated identity theft, to be served consecutively to other penalties.

The USAO alleges that Mr Parker’s scheme targeted the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) and SBA-approved lenders by exploiting the PPP loans established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. His actions are said to have defrauded the SBA and siphoned millions meant for pandemic-related economic relief.

“This case demonstrates our commitment to pursuing individuals who seek to exploit the pandemic for personal gain,” said United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.

The case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth.

An indictment is a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.