BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – A Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy who had also served on the county’s SWAT team has been convicted of using a real estate company, with help from a tax preparer, to defraud a government loan program that authorities say helped businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alexandra Acosta, 38, of Tamarac, was convicted by a federal jury on Wednesday of conspiracy to defraud the Small Business Administration (SBA), two counts of false statements to the SBA and wire fraud.
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Authorities say Acosta collaborated with her tax preparer, Vilsaint St. Louis, to “unlawfully” secure a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
Acosta, who investigators say was operating as a sole proprietor under the guise of a realtor, provided significantly misleading data regarding her 2019 monthly income, including two fabricated IRS tax documents submitted with the application.
According to detectives, Acosta subsequently obtained forgiveness for the deceitfully acquired PPP loan, amounting to over $20,000 in principal and interest.
Throughout the duration of the scheme, investigators confirmed that Acosta was a BSO deputy and notably served as the first and sole female SWAT team member within BSO.
Acosta’s sentencing hearing, which will be presided over by U.S. Senior District Judge Robert N. Scola, is set for Aug. 27.
Acosta potentially faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for wire fraud, five years for conspiracy and two years for each false statement charge.
Authorities confirmed the court will deliberate on the sentence, considering both the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
Court documents show Acosta’s collaborator, St. Louis, had previously pleaded guilty to his involvement in the conspiracy. On May 14, he received a sentence of one-year probation, a $5,000 fine and 100 hours of community service.
