In a striking case of fraud during a critical period, a pastor who embezzled $3.5 million in Covid relief funds has been handed an 18-month prison sentence.
The Crime
Rudolph Brooks, 48, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering.
He took advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) designed to help businesses through the pandemic.
Brooks was caught after he submitted falsified documents for businesses he controlled, securing substantial funds through inflated claims.
Lavish Spending
The fraudster used the $3.5 million for extravagant personal expenses.
This included purchasing a 2018 Tesla Model 3, a property in a wealthy Maryland area, and splurging on dining, groceries, and other luxuries.
Brooks also made cash withdrawals and moved funds between accounts he controlled.
Legal Consequences
The court ordered Brooks to forfeit over $2 million, along with the Tesla and real estate he acquired with the stolen money.
He has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release.
The charges were connected to his misuse of PPP funds, not his role at Kingdom Tabernacle of Restoration church.
Details of the Fraud
Brooks applied for the PPP loans through his Maryland-based car dealership, Cars Direct, in May 2020.
By submitting fake tax and payroll documents, he received $1.5 million.
He also fraudulently applied for and received additional PPP funds totaling $2 million, which he deposited into accounts for his church and another business.
Further Missteps
In addition to the PPP funds, Brooks attempted to secure money through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, but his applications were denied due to poor credit history.
His church’s website and social media pages were taken down shortly after his arrest.
Background
Before his criminal activities came to light, Brooks was known for his deep faith and dedication to his ministry.
He was described as a passionate pastor with a calling for ministry from a young age, according to his now-deleted online biography.
What’s next for Brooks remains to be seen, but his story serves as a cautionary tale of corruption during a time of crisis.
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