A couple from Tallahassee is going to federal jail because they lied to get more than $4.8 million in COVID relief funds.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Wilbert Jean Stanley, III, 43, and Felicia Jackson Stanley, 43, who own Island Seafood, pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and making false claims about COVID-19 pandemic relief.
Wilbert Stanley was sent to federal jail for 40 months, and Felicia Stanley was sent to prison for 24 months.
In a news statement, Jason R. Coody, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, said, “Today’s sentences both punish the defendants for their illegal actions and should be a big deterrent to others who would steal from their fellow citizens to get rich illegally.”
The Florida Department of State says that Wilbert Stanley is named as the registered agent for more than 20 companies. One of these is Island Seafood, a famous seafood restaurant on Monroe Street.
DOJ says that between March 1, 2020, and September 1, 2021, the couple made false loan applications for more than $7 million through the Small Business Administration, the Paycheck Protection Program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loans program, the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants program, and other loan programs.
There were bloated average monthly salary costs and fake tax forms in these fake applications. The Stanleys also had deals with other people who, in exchange for fees, made COVID-relief forms on their behalf.
DOJ said that 50 of the 166 requests for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan were approved. The Stanleys also filled out 20 PPP forms and 3 SVOG forms.
DOJ said that most of the forms they filled out were not in their names.
In a statement to WCTV, the Stanleys’ lawyer said that the couple is grateful for the support of family and the community.
“They will keep being strong supporters of the neighborhood and business owners there. They are not defined by this task. Attorney Robert Alex Morris said, “They both strongly believe in learning from mistakes and making an even bigger difference in the lives of people in the community and their own families.”
