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Miami Herald

Former mayoral candidate in this Broward city sentenced in PPP fraud case

A former Miramar mayoral candidate was sentenced Tuesday to three years of probation and ordered to repay more than $123,000 in federal funds after pleading guilty to fraudulently obtaining a COVID-19 relief loan. Rudy Theophin, 41, admitted in federal court to submitting a false application for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in July 2020. Prosecutors said he claimed his business employed eight people and had an annual payroll of more than $583,000. In reality, the company did not exist, and the tax documents supporting the loan were fabricated. Theophin received $123,675 through the PPP program, which was intended to help struggling small businesses during the pandemic. He used part of the funds to purchase a $255,000 condominium in Miramar. That property is now subject to federal forfeiture as part of a money judgment. Prosecutors argued for a prison sentence, citing the misuse of public funds at a time of national crisis. But U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith opted for probation, noting Theophin's lack of criminal history and longstanding community service. Several people submitted letters in support of Theophin, including David Burney, chairman of the Greater North Miami Chamber of Commerce. 'Rudy has been an unwavering advocate for young people — particularly high school students from under-resourced and under-served backgrounds,' Burney wrote. 'In his role as a mentor within our Chamber programs, he devoted countless hours to helping youth navigate their personal and academic challenges.' The court ordered Theophin to repay the full $123,675. If he fails to do so, the federal government may seize and sell the condo purchased with the loan proceeds.