Broward County Sheriff’s Department detectives arrested 15 employees on federal charges relating to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that was provided for COVID-19 relief. One current and one former employee have also turned themselves in.
The investigation began in 2021 and Sheriff Gregory Tony ordered an investigation of the entire department, with almost 6,000 employees being investigated. 100 of those employees applied for the PPP loans, with 17 so far being charged with PPP wire fraud or conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
They have collectively taken almost $500,000 from the federal government, but there are said to be more indictments in the near future. There are at least 20 more right now that are or were under investigation.
Sheriff Tony has said that they are all in the process of being fired. He said that some of the officers charged were “good officers,” “But you are only as good as the last act and conduct that you execute.” The maximum sentence for committing wire fraud is 20 years in prison. The 17 have all entered not-guilty pleas and have requested trial by jury.
Follow and support @alwaysforthepeople the non-profit 501(c)(3) making police more accountable and transparent.
This is why we Always Film The Police (@alwaysfilmthepolice)! We invite you to Submit your cop videos here.