Area man admits to $1.9M PPP scam, ordered to return cars, jewelry

DADE CITY — A Pasco County resident has admitted to charges of misusing nearly $2 million in federal PPP loan money, including buying a 2020 Mercedes and a 2020 Ford F-250 truck.   

Keith Nicoletta, 48, of Dade City, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to launder stolen COVID relief funds, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s office in Tampa. Nicoletta also agreed to forfeit more than $1.9 million, the two vehicles, property located in Pasco County and other funds and assets that are traceable proceeds of the offense, authorities say.