South Florida Real Estate Agent Sentenced In PPP Fraud Case

According to a report from The Real Deal, Daniela Rendon—a real estate agent from Miami—has been sentenced to serve three years and five months in prison in a COVID-19 fraud case. Earlier this year, Ms. Rendon was convicted of defrauding the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Within this article, our Orlando white collar criminal defense lawyer explains what we know about this case as well as the charges filed.

Real Estate Agent from Miami Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for COVID-19 Fraud 

Daniela Rendon was charged with money laundering, wire fraud, and identity theft related to fraudulent Covid-19 relief fund applications. After pleading guilty to a single count of wire fraud earlier this year, most charges being pursued by federal prosecutors were dropped outright. Ms. Rendon was sentenced to three years and five months in prison. Beyond that, she will face an additional three years of post-release probation and be required to pay $200,000 in restitution.

As determined by federal authorities, Miami-based real estate agent Daniela Rendon fraudulently inflated her financial details and misrepresented herself as a developer in order to obtain a $317,290 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, She also reportedly obtained a fraudulent $10,000 SBA from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Notably, her fiancé was also charged and is currently still awaiting sentencing. 

Understanding Federal Wire Fraud Charges 

Wire fraud is one of the most common white collar criminal offenses. A person can be arrested for and charged with federal wire fraud if they use interstate wire communications to defraud another of money or property. These can encompass phone calls, emails, or any electronic means of communication. The key elements prosecutors must prove are intent to defraud and use of wire communications in furtherance of the fraud. Notably, the penalties for federal wire fraud can be severe—a defendant may face hefty fines and a lengthy prison sentence. 

Federal Prosecutors Continue Enforcement of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Fraud 

Federal prosecutors remain vigilant in their enforcement efforts against Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud. Since the PPP’s inception, designed to provide financial relief to struggling businesses during the pandemic, opportunists have sought to exploit the program. Allegations range from false claims about business operations and payroll expenses to misuse of funds for personal gain. Notably, in many cases, federal prosecutors are bringing wire fraud charges and/or money laundering charges against people who are accused of defrauding the PPP program or another federal COVID-19 relief program. 

Schedule a Confidential Consultation With Our Florida White Collar Criminal Lawyer

At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando white collar criminal defense attorney has the skills, experience, and sophisticated legal expertise that you can trust. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with any type of PPP-related offense, we can help. Contact our legal team today for a completely confidential consultation. Our firm defends white collar criminal charges in Orlando, Orange County, and all across the surrounding region in Central Florida.

Source:

therealdeal.com/miami/2023/08/18/miami-realtor-sentenced-in-ppp-fraud-case/