Broward County Sheriff’s Office scandal explained as 17 deputies charged over Covid loan fraud

On Thursday, October 12, seventeen deputies from the Broward County Sheriff's Office were charged for allegedly defrauding COVID funds of about $500,000. The deputies reportedly used the money to buy themselves vehicles, clothes, jewelry, etc. They all face separate wire fraud charges after they allegedly targeted the COVID relief schemes.

Sheriff Gregory Tony spoke about the incident on Thursday and revealed that the case investigation began in 2021. The Sheriff further confirmed that the eight law enforcement deputies and nine detention deputies have been suspended.

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The deputies from Broward County Sheriff, accused of stealing about $500,000 in pandemic relief funds, are yet to resign

Broward County Sheriff's Office is facing a huge scandal after 17 deputies were arrested on wire fraud charges. The deputies allegedly targeted COVID relief funds and illegally used the money to improve their living standards by buying cars, jewelry, clothes, etc. Markenzy Lapointe, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, said,

"The deputies collectively defrauded the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program out of about $500,000. The proceeds of the loans were not to be used to purchase consumer goods, automobiles, personal residences, clothing, jewelry or for cosmetic surgery."

"Today’s announcement is a reminder that the South Florida Strike Force remains fully committed to its mission - to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud," Lapointe added.

As per the Department of Justice, during initial hearings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick M. Hunt in Fort Lauderdale, prosecutors advised that during the period of the alleged schemes, each of the charged deputies was employed by the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Gregory Tony of Broward County said that while all the deputies have been suspended, they are yet to resign.

"How can we have anyone out here wearing a badge that is stealing from the American people?” Sheriff Tony said.

"Any time a BSO employee is accused of a crime it tarnishes the reputation of this agency and the broader law enforcement community. I’ve made it clear that when employees are suspected of stepping outside the law, they will be thoroughly investigated and, when appropriate, face arrest. We the police must have the moral courage to police ourselves," he added.

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More people can be involved in the pandemic relief fund fraud

Law enforcement officials believe it is not just the 17 deputies involved in the scam; even more people can be involved in this wire fraud. Matt Cowart, the union president representing Broward sheriff's deputies, confirmed that they were aware of the investigation that began in 2021.

"Currently, we are not privy to all of the investigative facts. Regardless, employees and all citizens are entitled to and shall receive due process through the court system," Cowart said.

According to the Department of Justice, the names of the Broward County deputies are:

• Katrina Brown
• Stephanie Diane Smith
• Alexandra Acosta
• La'Keitha Victoria Lawhorn
• Jewell Farrell Johnson
• Carolyn Denise Wade
• Rorie Brown
• Alexis Monique Greene
• Ritchie Noah Dubuisson
• Keshondra Tameisha Davis
• Allen Dorvil
• Jean Pierre-Toussant
• Ancy Morancy
• Marcus Errol Powell
• Derrick J. Nesbitt
• Keith Dunkley
• George Anthony III

Authorities haven't revealed many details about the case and have only mentioned that the investigation is an active one. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the maximum sentence for wire fraud is 20 years behind bars. Broward County authorities have said that if the police commit a crime, they will be thoroughly prosecuted.