Fort Lauderdale Resident Admits Guilt in $1 Million COVID-19 Relief Loan and Unemployment Benefits Fraud Scheme

Background

A 24-year-old Fort Lauderdale resident, Conrad Brandon Bernard, admitted guilt on November 15 to orchestrating a fraud scheme that siphoned over $1 million in federal COVID-19 relief loans and unemployment benefits.

Charges and Sentence

Bernard pled guilty to charges of bank fraud and identity theft in a case brought before U.S. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas. He is set to be sentenced on February 5, 2025, and faces up to 30 years in prison for bank fraud, with an additional mandatory two-year term for aggravated identity theft.

The Scheme

Bernard’s scheme, which spanned from May 2020 to December 2022, targeted two federal relief programs: the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, intended to aid small businesses during the pandemic, and unemployment insurance programs designed to support workers displaced through no fault of their own.

How the Scheme Worked

Authorities say Bernard exploited these initiatives by filing fraudulent applications and misusing the personal identifying information (PII) of unsuspecting individuals. According to court documents, Bernard filed 14 fraudulent EIDL applications using stolen identities. Once approved, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) transferred the funds—totaling over $1 million—to bank accounts he opened and operated under stolen identities.

Bernard then funneled the funds into accounts he controlled, all without the knowledge or consent of the victims whose PII he used. He also defrauded state unemployment systems, including those in West Virginia and Arizona, by filing applications under stolen identities. These fraudulent unemployment benefits were subsequently transferred or withdrawn from accounts linked to the same scheme.

Investigation and Seizure of Assets

Investigators uncovered an array of fraudulent documents during the probe, including counterfeit passports, fake Florida driver’s licenses, and the personal information of thousands of individuals. Authorities also seized tools Bernard used to manufacture false identification.

Conclusion

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting personal identifying information and the consequences of fraudulently exploiting government relief programs.

FAQs

* What was the nature of the fraud scheme?
+ Conrad Brandon Bernard orchestrated a fraud scheme that siphoned over $1 million in federal COVID-19 relief loans and unemployment benefits.
* What were the charges filed against Bernard?
+ Bernard pled guilty to charges of bank fraud and identity theft.
* What is the potential sentence for Bernard?
+ Bernard faces up to 30 years in prison for bank fraud, with an additional mandatory two-year term for aggravated identity theft.