Area couple on probation charged in nearly $1M PPP loan scam

LEHIGH ACRES — A Lee County couple that operated a handyman and repair business out of their home has been charged in a federal pandemic relief loan scam, where authorities allege they defrauded the government out of nearly $1 million.

Amber Rewis Bruey, 34, and Anthony James Bruey, 35, a married couple from Lehigh Acres, have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and illegal monetary transactions. According to the indictment, beginning in or around April 2020 — and while they were both on probation for state criminal charges — the Brueys conspired to submit false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Paycheck Protection Program applications to the SBA and PPP loan servicers and lenders. The loan applications contained numerous false representations, including the criminal history, dates of operation, number of employees and gross revenues of the applicant, authorities contend. In support of their fraudulent EIDL and PPP loan applications, officials allege the Brueys submitted false and fictitious federal income tax documents.