Rudy Theophin, a former candidate for mayor of Miramar and the only proprietor of Theophin Consulting LLC, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in reference to a fraudulent Paycheck Safety Program (PPP) mortgage utility submitted throughout the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In June 2020, Theophin, 41, submitted a web based PPP mortgage utility for $123,675 by way of the U.S. Small Enterprise Administration (SBA) to offer aid for the financial results attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. The mortgage utility and supporting documentation falsely said the variety of staff and the common month-to-month payroll for Theophin Consulting. As soon as permitted, Theophin transferred a portion of the funds to a different particular person, one other portion to an funding account in his identify, and he used the remaining funds towards the acquisition of a condominium.
U.S. Legal professional Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and IRS Felony Investigation Particular Agent in Cost Emmanuel Gomez introduced the responsible plea, which may lead to as much as 20 years in federal jail. Sentencing is scheduled for July 15 earlier than U.S. District Courtroom Choose Rodney Smith in Fort Lauderdale.
Theophin’s responsible plea follows his 2023 bid for mayor of Miramar, the place he ran towards incumbent Wayne Messam. With a background in monetary providers and entrepreneurship, Theophin positioned himself as a community-focused different to Messam, who was looking for his third time period. His marketing campaign emphasised themes of neighborly engagement and responsiveness to neighborhood considerations.
Regardless of his efforts, Theophin’s marketing campaign confronted important challenges. Based on Florida Politics, he didn’t file any marketing campaign finance stories, which can have hindered his visibility and outreach efforts. Within the March 14, 2023, municipal election, Theophin secured roughly 11.69% of the vote, whereas Messam gained decisively with 88.31%, securing his third time period as mayor.
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Along with his enterprise and political actions, Theophin is thought domestically as an writer and activist. His poetry assortment, My Candy and Blissful Reminiscences of Ache, explores private reflections on peace and introspection.
