United States v. Roody Metelus — U.S. District Court, S.D. Fla.

Case summary

Roody Metelus was charged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, No. 0:26-cr-60019-RKA, over Paycheck Protection Program loan applications prepared for tax clients. The information filed January 26, 2026 charges one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 371, with a forfeiture allegation under 18 U.S.C. § 982(a)(2)(A). The factual proffer states that between January and March 2021 he caused the submission of more than 200 false PPP loan applications totalling approximately $4,151,159 in requested loan amounts, of which the bank funded about 116 applications totalling approximately $2,337,615. He pleaded guilty to the sole count on April 27, 2026. No judgment is on this page and sentencing had not been scheduled.

Case at a glance

What did Metelus plead guilty to?

The sole count of the information, conspiracy to commit wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 371, at a change of plea hearing on April 27, 2026. The plea agreement states the statutory maximum as five years' imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and a $100 special assessment.

What does the factual proffer describe?

That Metelus, a tax preparer operating a franchise in Dania Beach, Florida, recruited tax customers and others to apply for PPP loans from January 2021, prepared applications listing them as sole proprietors when many were wage earners, and supported each with a false Schedule C, a false Schedule SE and a false self-employment ledger.

How much money was involved?

Requested loan amounts of approximately $4,151,159 across more than 200 applications, of which approximately $2,337,615 was funded across about 116 applications. The plea agreement records a joint recommendation that the intended loss attributable to Metelus be found greater than $3,500,000 and less than $9,500,000.