Former Broward Sheriff’s Deputies Convicted of COVID-19 Relief Fraud

Two former employees of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) were convicted on Wednesday by a federal jury of COVID-19 relief fraud. Tracy Wade, 51, and Carolyn Wade, 49, who were both employed in the BSO’s Department of Detention, were found guilty of several charges related to obtaining Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans through fraudulent means.

The convictions include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to make false statements to the Small Business Administration (SBA), and making false statements to the SBA. The Wades applied for and received PPP loans in 2021 using falsified IRS tax forms and falsely represented to the SBA that they spent the loan proceeds on payroll.

The Wades were among more than a dozen Broward Sheriff’s employees accused of PPP fraud last year. The U.S. State Attorney's Office of the Southern District of Florida announced the convictions, highlighting the serious nature of the offenses.

The maximum sentence for conspiracy to commit wire fraud is 20 years in prison. However, the sentencing date for Tracy and Carolyn Wade has not yet been set.