Former Broward Deputies Convicted of PPP Fraud

Tracy Wade, 51, and Carolyn Wade, 49, former deputy sheriffs of the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO), were convicted by a federal jury in Miami for fraudulently obtaining Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The couple secured loans for fictitious businesses using falsified IRS documents and later sought loan forgiveness by misrepresenting how the funds were utilized. Both were found guilty of multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and making false statements to the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Wades could face sentences of up to 20 years for each count of wire fraud, with a sentencing date yet to be determined. This case is part of a broader investigation into pandemic-related financial crimes, which has implicated over a dozen BSO employees. The U.S. Department of Justice continues to encourage reporting of COVID-19 fraud attempts.