Family arrested in COVID-19 loan fraud scheme, accused of using relief funds for personal gain

MIAMI, Fla. (CBS12) — A family is behind bars for their involvement in a COVID-19 loan fraud scheme.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Steeve Roberts, 39, of Coral Springs, Johnnie Jean, 42, of Coral Springs, Amanda Pierre-Phillipe, 21, of Miami, and Stephanie Paul, 26, of Miami each face charges of conspiracy to money laundering charges.

In addition, Roberts and Jean both face one count each of organized schemes to defraud, conspiracy to commit organized scheme to defraud and money laundering.

The FDLE says the investigation began in March 2021 when Attorney General Ashley Moody's Office of Statewide Prosecution had found that Roberts was using funds he obtained from the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act as a source of personal income.

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Investigators also say that Robert fraudulently applied for a Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) loan and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EDIL). FDLE claims that Roberts also created a shell corporation based out of North Miami Beach, claiming to be in the business sector.

The deception about the business allowed Roberts to receive more than $500,000 in federal COVID-19 relief funds. FDLE reports that instead of using the money obtained for his business, he used to purchase a home in Coral Springs, purchase luxury goods, and posting bond for a jailed acquaintance.

The FDLE's investigations revealed that Jean, Robert's wife was involved, along with his two nieces Pierre Phillipe and Paul.

“These criminals stole more than half a million dollars by filing fraudulent loan applications to COVID relief programs. Money intended to help keep jobs during the pandemic were instead used for their own personal purchases. I am grateful for the strong investigative work by our law enforcement partners working with my statewide prosecutors in this case," Moody said.

Robert and Jean were arrested on June 6 and booked into the Broward County Jail, both are held on a $100,000 bond.

Pierre-Phillipe and Paul were arrested on June 7 and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, both are being held on a $10,000 bond.

The case will be prosecuted by Attorney General Ashley Moody's Office of Statewide Prosecution, FDLE says.