Broward Deputy Sentenced for COVID-19 Loan Fraud

Alexandra Acosta, a 38-year-old Broward Sheriff's deputy and SWAT team member, was sentenced to four months in prison for COVID-19 relief fraud, specifically for illegally obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan exceeding $20,000. Convicted of conspiracy to defraud the Small Business Administration (SBA), making false statements, and wire fraud, Acosta falsely claimed to be a self-employed realtor and submitted falsified IRS tax forms to secure the loan. In addition to her prison sentence, she was fined $4,000 and had previously repaid the fraudulently obtained loan funds. Acosta was one of 17 BSO employees involved in similar fraudulent activities, collectively obtaining nearly $500,000 from the relief program. Her co-conspirator, tax preparer Vilsaint St. Louis, has also pleaded guilty and received a probation sentence. The case was investigated by various federal and local agencies, emphasizing the ongoing crackdown on fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds.