LAKELAND, Fla. – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the indictment of Jeanty Cherilus, 54, from Lakeland, on five counts of wire fraud. Cherilus, the owner of Natransusa Corporation (NATRANS), faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. The indictment also seeks a forfeiture of $370,000, representing the alleged proceeds of the fraudulent activity.
According to the indictment, Cherilus submitted false applications to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) through NATRANS.
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The applications contained materially false and fraudulent representations, including inflated employee numbers and average payroll figures, and certifications that the loan proceeds would be used for business-related purposes. Cherilus also provided fraudulent supporting documentation to secure the loans.
After receiving the PPP and EIDL funds, Cherilus allegedly used them for personal gain and purposes other than those approved by the loan terms.
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