Former Miramar mayoral candidate Rudy Theophin pleads guilty to COVID-19 relief fraud
Key Points(5)
- In June 2020, Theophin, 41, submitted an online PPP loan application for $123,675 through the U.S.
- Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide relief for the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The loan application and supporting documentation falsely stated the number of employees and the average monthly payroll for Theophin Consulting.
- Once approved, Theophin transferred a portion of the funds to another person, another portion to an investment account in his name, and he used the remaining funds toward the purchase of a condominium.
- O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Emmanuel Gomez announced the guilty plea, which could result in up to 20 years in federal prison.
Rudy Theophin, a former candidate for mayor of Miramar and the sole owner of Theophin Consulting LLC, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application submitted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In June 2020, Theophin, 41, submitted an online PPP loan application for $123,675 through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide relief for the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The loan application and supporting documentation falsely stated the number of employees and the average monthly payroll for Theophin Consulting. Once approved, Theophin transferred a portion of the funds to another person, another portion to an investment account in his name, and he used the remaining funds toward the purchase of a condominium.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Emmanuel Gomez announced the guilty plea, which could result in up to 20 years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for July 15 before U.S. District Court Judge Rodney Smith in Fort Lauderdale.
Theophin’s guilty plea follows his 2023 bid for mayor of Miramar, where he ran against incumbent Wayne Messam. With a background in financial services and entrepreneurship, Theophin positioned himself as a community-focused alternative to Messam, who was seeking his third term. His campaign emphasized themes of neighborly engagement and responsiveness to community concerns.
Despite his efforts, Theophin's campaign faced significant challenges. According to Florida Politics, he did not file any campaign finance reports, which may have hindered his visibility and outreach efforts. In the March 14, 2023, municipal election, Theophin secured approximately 11.69% of the vote, while Messam won decisively with 88.31%, securing his third term as mayor.
In addition to his business and political activities, Theophin is known locally as an author and activist. His poetry collection, My Sweet and Blissful Memories of Pain, explores personal reflections on peace and introspection.
