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.
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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.
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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.
