Must pay restitution, forfeit Maserati and Deltona residence Date: August 9, 2023 Contact: newsroom@ci.irs.gov A Central Florida resident has been sentenced in federal district court for wire fraud as part of a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) out of loan proceeds. These loans are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Kerryanne Purkiss was sentenced this week to 12 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Additionally, the Honorable Roy Dalton, Jr., ordered Purkiss to pay more than $715,000 in restitution. According to court documents, Purkiss fraudulently obtained a PPP loan by filing an application containing fabricated tax forms and included false information such as the number of employees, monthly payroll amount and intended use of funds. Purkiss used the proceeds of this loan, and proceeds of other PPP loans obtained, to purchase a residence in Deltona, Florida, and to make other personal purchases including a Maserati and other vehicles. Purkiss must forfeit the Maserati and Deltona residence as part of her restitution. "While Purkiss drove around Orlando in her Maserati paid for with stolen PPP funds, hardworking Americans who truly needed a paycheck suffered! This is why IRS‐CI will continue to pursue these crimes with fervor and tenacity," said Brian Payne, IRS‐CI special agent in charge of the Tampa Field Office. "This week's sentence reaffirms IRS‐CI's commitment to bringing justice to those who fraudulently obtain COVID‐19 related programs funds and use those proceeds for personal gain." Special Agent in Charge Payne, Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement. IRS‐ Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorney Kate McCarthy of the Criminal Divisions Fraud section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Terry Livanos of the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.
