An Orlando couple has agreed to pay more than $88,000 to resolve allegations that they improperly received COVID-19 relief funds.
According to court records, Anthony Terry and Lisa Terry were both accused of improperly receiving funds from four loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES), the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), and Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act (Economic Aid Act).
On Wednesday, July 23, the Terrys agreed to pay a total of $88,677.62, which will resolve liability related to two PPP loans that were issued to each of them.
The settlement agreement states that from June 2020 to April 2022, the couple received four PPP loans totaling over $81,000. However, they were ineligible for such loans or forgiveness because they are individuals and not small businesses.
The United State’s Attorney’s Office stated that the Terrys were cooperative with investigators.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to investigating and holding responsible those who failed to follow the rules of the PPP program,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to investigate and pursue and, where appropriate, federally prosecute those individuals and entities that engage in improper uses of PPP loan proceeds.”
The resolution obtained in this case was the result of a coordinated effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and the Small Business Administration. The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Bloor, with assistance from the Small Business Administration, Office of General Counsel.
The civil claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination or admission of liability.