Former BSO Lieutenant Pleads Guilty to Major COVID Loan Fraud

The guilty plea marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into widespread PPP loan fraud among Broward Sheriff's Office employees.

A former Broward Sheriff’s Office lieutenant admitted to stealing over $167,000 from the federal Paycheck Protection Program.
The guilty plea raises the total number of BSO loan fraud convictions to 13, with more employees awaiting trial.
Stephanie D. Smith, a former BSO deputy, was also found guilty of wire fraud, marking the first trial conviction in the case.
The investigation into the BSO began in late 2021, uncovering that 100 deputies and corrections officers applied for COVID-19 business loans.
The Paycheck Protection Program, part of the CARES Act, allocated about $800 billion in loans to support businesses during the pandemic.