Broward Coach Accused Of Illegally Taking Nearly $1M In COVID Relief Money

A high school basketball coach in South Florida is facing charges for fraudulently getting nearly $1 million in relief money meant for people struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, federal officials say.

Terrence Williams, a 40-year-old man from Tamarac, is a basketball coach for Stranahan High School in Fort Lauderdale, according to Local 10. Reporters say he lead the boys team to state titles over the last two years.

Federal agents claim Williams illegally obtained $984,710 from a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan by applying through his company -- Williams Consulting Group LLC. The PPP was established under the CARES Act to help small American businesses struggling during the pandemic. Officials added that Williams allegedly used the money for personal expenses and even to make a car payment.

“The complaint alleges that although Williams claimed the company had 67 employees and an average monthly payroll of $393,884.00, the company in fact paid no such payroll and did not have any recorded employees with the State of Florida,” a release from the office of United States Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan said. “The complaint also alleges that Williams received into his company’s bank account Florida Unemployment Insurance benefits.”

The coach was charged with one count of bank fraud, one count of money laundering, one count of engaging in transactions in unlawful proceeds, and one count of making false statements to a financial institution.

"Broward County Public Schools says Williams coached Stranahan on a volunteer basis... Williams was named a 2020 Coach of the Year by the Florida Association of Basketball Coaches," Local 10 reported.

Photo: Getty Images