The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced that Stephen L. Gurba, 68, of Belleair, faces charges of wire fraud, making false statements to a financial institution, and aggravated identity theft. According to the indictment, Gurba submitted false Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications for Big Red Express Trucking, LLC, and Zenith Express, LLC, from March to June 2020.
Gurba allegedly impersonated his former business partner, who had passed away in 2019, to secure approval for these loans. The indictment claims he used his deceased partner’s name and forged his signature on loan documents submitted to the Small Business Administration (SBA). Gurba is further accused of continuing this impersonation in subsequent communications with the SBA to ensure the loan’s disbursement.
Additionally, Gurba reportedly applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for Big Red Express Trucking, certifying the funds would be used for payroll and eligible expenses. However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges that Gurba diverted most of the PPP funds to personal expenses, family costs, and unrelated debts.
If convicted, Gurba could face a maximum of 20 years for each count of wire fraud, 30 years for the false statement charge, and a mandatory two-year sentence for each aggravated identity theft count. It is essential to note that an indictment is a formal charge, and Gurba is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
