A St. David man, Roy L. Layne, pleaded guilty this week to two counts of Wire Fraud and one count of Filing a False Claim.
Layne admitted that during the COVID-19 global pandemic he fraudulently applied for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans, SBA Paycheck Protection Program Loans, and pandemic-related tax relief in the names of fictitious business entities, himself, and others. Layne filed numerous fraudulent SBA loan applications, ultimately receiving $306,700 that he was not entitled to. Layne also filed numerous false claims for tax refunds with the Internal Revenue Service totaling over $7.4 million, receiving and keeping $549,992 that he was not entitled to. In his plea agreement, Layne has agreed to pay restitution to the SBA and the U.S. Treasury totaling $856,692.91.
A conviction for Wire Fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both, and a term of five years of supervised release. A conviction for Filing a False Claim carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, and a term of three years of supervised release.
Layne’s sentencing is scheduled for February 3, 2025, before United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker.