San Diego Restaurateur Sentenced to 42 Months for COVID-19 Relief Fraud and Tax Evasion

Leronce Suel misused over $1.7 million in federal aid, concealed millions in cash, and filed false tax returns, with restitution proceedings pending.

Leronce Suel, owner of Rockstar Dough LLC and Chicken Feed LLC, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for defrauding COVID-19 relief programs and committing tax evasion.
Suel fraudulently obtained $1,773,245 through Paycheck Protection Program loans and Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants by falsifying eligibility and misusing funds.
Investigators uncovered that Suel misappropriated relief funds for personal gain, including purchasing a home in Arkansas and concealing over $2.4 million in cash.
In September 2024, Suel was convicted of multiple charges, including wire fraud, conspiracy, tax evasion, and filing false tax returns spanning several years.
The court ordered Suel to forfeit $1,466,918 and pay $1,773,245 in restitution to the Small Business Administration, with IRS restitution to be determined on June 6, 2025.