Lakeland gang indicted in $236,000 COVID loan scam

Twelve members of a Lakeland-based gang have been indicted for allegedly stealing $236,000 in COVID relief funds, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Greg Kehoe said. 

According to the nine indictments, all 12 are members or associates of the “Hood Boys” gang and face a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted of wire fraud.

The group is accused of defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration by submitting false Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, loan applications.