Federal prosecutors say five people, including three JetBlue employees, have been arrested and accused of stealing more than $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds.
On Thursday, authorities arrested Orlando, 39, Michael, 40, Fanny, 20, and 41 year old twin brothers Keimi and Keily of Queens, New York. According to prosecutors, the five allegedly obtained $1,006,000 by fraudulently applying for Economic Injury Disaster Loans. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent.
Prosecutors say the twin brothers and Orlando, who is from New Jersey, were employed by JetBlue when the applications were filed. Between April and August of 2020, the defendants allegedly requested loan funds for eight separate companies and falsely stated the number of employees and the prior year’s gross revenue.
In one application described by prosecutors, Orlando was listed as owner and chief executive officer of a company that claimed 26 employees and $839,000 in gross revenue. Prosecutors say the application was submitted from a JetBlue Airways IP address. The loan was approved, and $139,400 was wired to Orlando’s personal bank account. Prosecutors say there is no evidence the money was used for business expenses.
According to the allegations, one of the twins no longer works for JetBlue. It was unclear whether the others are still with the company.
“JetBlue is cooperating fully with law enforcement in this matter,” a company spokesman said.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison.
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