A former Miami police officer has been apprehended on charges of money laundering and COVID-19 relief fraud, according to officials.
Djimy Joseph, 47, was arrested for alleged violations including an organized scheme to defraud exceeding $50,000, money laundering surpassing $100,000, and making false official statements, as disclosed by the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office on Monday.
Unexpected discovery
The investigation unfolded during a routine licensing inspection conducted by the Florida Department of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, where it was discovered that Joseph was the proprietor of a bar and grill.
This revelation breached a state statute prohibiting officers from owning or operating alcohol-serving establishments.
A closer look
Subsequent inquiries into Joseph’s affairs unearthed a more intricate web of alleged misconduct.
Detectives uncovered Joseph’s ownership of additional businesses and his purported fraudulent actions in obtaining over $246,000 in COVID relief loans.
These funds were acquired through the Paycheck Protection Program and other government initiatives facilitated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
Deceptive maneuvers
Authorities assert that Joseph resorted to submitting falsified statements, misrepresenting critical aspects such as the number of employees, monthly payroll figures, business revenues, and expenses.
These deceptive tactics were allegedly employed to secure inflated loan amounts.
Legal implications
The charges brought against Joseph include first-degree felonies for organized scheme to defraud and money laundering, alongside a second-degree misdemeanor charge for false official statements.
In response to the unfolding events, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle condemned Joseph’s actions, emphasizing the gravity of public corruption.
She further underscored the significance of upholding the law and preserving public trust.
