A 45-year-old pastor from Ocala has been indicted on six counts of wire fraud related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Earlier today, United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the return of the indictment charging 45-year-old Henry Troy Wade, of Ocala, with fraud relating to COVID-19 relief funds.
Wade previously served as a senior pastor at a church in northwest Ocala for multiple years.
According to the indictment, between May 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, Wade applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) loans and grants under the CARES Act on behalf of multiple businesses he claimed to own. However, none of Wade’s purported businesses were in operation during the requisite time period and were ineligible for an EIDL loan or grant.
The indictment alleges that Wade electronically submitted applications for the EIDL loans and grants over the internet, made false representations on his applications, and received EIDL loans and grants from the Small Business Association (SBA) through wire transfers over the internet into his bank accounts.
If Wade is convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.