Sean Eric Thompson, 44, formerly of Pace, Florida, was sentenced to four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to wire fraud, making false statements, money laundering, and bankruptcy fraud. The sentencing was announced on Mar. 10 by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Thompson’s case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address misuse of pandemic relief funds and fraudulent activities during bankruptcy proceedings. Prosecutors said that Thompson sought personal enrichment at the expense of programs designed to help small businesses survive the economic impact of COVID-19.
According to court documents, in May 2021 Thompson submitted a fraudulent application for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), a program created to support food service businesses affected by the pandemic. The application falsely claimed that his business had suffered over $1.1 million in losses due to COVID-19. As a result, the Small Business Administration paid $1,128,233 into an account controlled by Thompson. He then used these funds for personal expenses and transferred $150,000 into his own investment account between August and November 2021.
In August 2023, Thompson filed for bankruptcy but failed to disclose both the RRF funds and his interest in another business on official documents. He also gave false testimony under oath during a creditors’ meeting in September 2023 and later submitted altered financial statements in February 2024 as part of his bankruptcy proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This defendant tried to rip off the federal government by enriching himself with U.S. taxpayer funds intended to help small businesses struggling during the COVID pandemic, and then followed that up with further fraud during subsequent bankruptcy proceedings. My office remains committed to ensuring every last fraudster who stole taxpayer money during the COVID pandemic is held accountable.”
FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley said: “Pandemic relief funds were created to support businesses in crisis, not enrich individuals like Mr. Thompson. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and hold accountable anyone who abuses public trust and defrauds critical government programs for personal gain.”
Jason Xerri, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the SBA Office of Inspector General’s Eastern Regional Office added: “SBA Office of Inspector General remains committed to aggressively pursuing individuals who exploited pandemic relief programs for personal gain… SBA-OIG will continue working with our law enforcement partners to investigate fraud, protect taxpayer funds, and ensure those who abused these critical programs are held accountable.”
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch prosecuted the case.
