Taylor County, Florida – A Georgia resident is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent loan scheme that diverted emergency relief funds away from Florida businesses struggling to recover after Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Authorities say the money, intended to help storm-damaged small businesses rebuild, instead ended up in a personal account controlled by the suspect.
State investigators announced that the scheme involved the theft of $38,000 from Florida’s Emergency Bridge Loan (EBL) program, a lifeline created to support businesses after the 2024 hurricane season. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) identified the suspect as Carl Anthony Needham Jr., 31, of Atlanta, Georgia.
How the Fraud Was Discovered
The case began when the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office received a report of identity theft tied to an EBL application. Investigators say two separate loan applications had been filed under the same individual’s name:
- A legitimate request for $25,000
- A second, fraudulent application for $38,000, containing the same personal information but directing funds to a different bank account
FDLE agents determined the second application had been manipulated to reroute the government funds, allowing the money to be deposited into an account linked to Needham.
Investigators Say Money Was Moved Across Multiple Accounts
According to FDLE, once the funds hit Needham’s account, he allegedly attempted to conceal the theft by transferring the money between multiple accounts, a tactic commonly associated with laundering schemes designed to avoid detection.
Authorities say these movements formed the basis for the money-laundering charges now filed against him.
Multi-Agency Operation Leads to Arrest
On November 19, FDLE agents, working with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, located and arrested Needham in Georgia.
He is currently being held at the Paulding County Jail and awaits extradition to Taylor County, Florida, where the State Attorney’s Office for the Third Judicial Circuit will handle prosecution.
The arrest was part of a wider investigation involving:
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- Taylor County Sheriff’s Office
- Florida Department of Commerce
- Georgia law enforcement agencies
Officials Condemn Theft of Disaster Relief Funds
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass addressed the seriousness of the offense, stating:
“Those funds were intended to help small businesses find their footing after the devastating hurricanes in 2024, not for criminals to steal and fund their criminal activities.”
Authorities emphasized that disaster-recovery programs rely heavily on public trust, and fraudulent activity undermines critical support systems meant for legitimate survivors.
Why Emergency Bridge Loans Matter
Florida’s Emergency Bridge Loan program is designed to offer short-term, zero-interest financial help to small businesses following major disasters. After Hurricanes Milton and Helene caused widespread damage across the state, many businesses depended on these funds to cover losses, repair damage, and reopen operations.
The theft of these funds represents more than a financial crime; it disrupts recovery efforts and delays assistance for communities already facing hardship.
Ongoing Investigation
FDLE says the investigation remains active, and additional details may emerge as agents review transaction records and digital communications connected to the fraudulent application.
Residents who believe their personal information may have been used in similar schemes are encouraged to contact FDLE or their local sheriff’s office.
Share Your Thoughts
Have you seen or experienced disaster-relief scams in your community? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below.
