Fraud Fallout: Pastor To Return Tesla After $3.5 Million Scheme
Pastor Rudolph Brooks Jr. was recently sentenced to 18 months in prison following his conviction of wire fraud and money laundering.
ChurchLeaders reported how the Maryland pastor was found abusing the “pandemic era Payroll Protection Program (PPP).” Through this scheme, Brooks ended up illegally gaining $3.5 million worth of loans and other funding for his own personal use.
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In the statement by United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, it was discussed how “Brooks admitted that he used the loan proceeds for his personal benefit and on payments and purchases not permissible under PPP, such as for a residence; for a luxury vehicle; and, for restaurant, retail store and grocery purchases.”
The Kingdom Tabernacle of Restoration Ministries pastor is now required to give up the large purchases he made illegally with the money he exploited from the church. This includes the Tesla Brooks bought.
“The Court also ordered Brooks to forfeit all property and assets derived from or obtained as a result of his criminal activity, including a 2018 Tesla Model 3, property located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and at least $2,231,141.49 from 17 bank accounts controlled by Brooks,” the statement continued.
Brooks acquired fake PPP loans and used the funds from those loans for his own personal gain.
From the court documents, it appears that Brooks “grossly inflated the number of employees and average monthly payroll, and submitted fraudulent IRS Forms 940, Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment Tax Return, and other fraudulent IRS forms to support the loan applications.”
Brooks acquired his luxury vehicle by wiring $60,407 to Tesla Motors Inc. The car was bought under his son’s name and then registered in his name.
Once Brooks is release from his 18 months in federal prison, he will have a 2-year period of a supervised release.
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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
