Citizenship Revoked for Florida Man Following $3.8 Million COVID-19 Relief Fraud
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – A South Florida man has been stripped of his U.S. Citizenship after a federal judge determined he fraudulently obtained it while simultaneously defrauding COVID-19 relief programs of approximately $3.8 million. Joff Stenn Wroy Philossaint, 25, of Fort Lauderdale, had his citizenship revoked by U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith, who found that Philossaint made false statements to immigration officials to illegally secure his citizenship. The case underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to holding accountable those who exploit national crises for personal gain and attempt to circumvent the legal immigration process.
The revocation stems from a complex scheme orchestrated by Philossaint between April 2020 and May 2021, during which he fraudulently obtained funds intended to support businesses struggling during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He exploited various relief programs, submitting falsified applications and receiving kickbacks for assisting others in doing the same. This case highlights the vulnerabilities within the COVID-19 relief systems and the aggressive pursuit of justice by federal authorities.
Fraudulent Scheme and Financial Gains
According to court documents, Philossaint’s operation involved submitting 40 fraudulent loan applications, resulting in approximately $3.8 million in illicit loan proceeds. He personally profited from the scheme, receiving around $549,000 through both loan proceeds and kickbacks. The applications contained materially false representations regarding the applicants’ revenues and payroll information, deliberately misleading lenders and government agencies. This systematic deception allowed Philossaint and his co-conspirators to unlawfully access funds earmarked for legitimate businesses in need.
The fraudulent activity occurred while Philossaint was actively pursuing U.S. Citizenship. He initially applied for citizenship in February 2020. During a sworn naturalization interview on December 15, 2020, Philossaint deliberately concealed his involvement in the fraud scheme and falsely denied any criminal activity or misrepresentations to obtain public benefits. These false statements were crucial in his unlawful acquisition of U.S. Citizenship on February 9, 2021. The timing of the scheme, coinciding with his citizenship application, demonstrates a calculated effort to exploit the system.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Philossaint faced multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of conspiracy to launder money and unlawful procurement of citizenship. He was initially charged on September 8, 2022. He subsequently pleaded guilty to the three conspiracy charges, and a jury found him guilty of obtaining citizenship contrary to law. The prosecution successfully argued that his citizenship was obtained through fraudulent means and should be revoked.
On June 26, 2023, Philossaint was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison. Following the sentencing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a motion to revoke his citizenship, which was granted by the court on February 23, 2024. This decision sends a clear message that obtaining citizenship through deceitful practices will not be tolerated. The revocation process is a significant step in upholding the integrity of the naturalization process.
Official Statements and Investigative Efforts
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “United States citizenship is one of the greatest privileges our nation can offer, and it must be earned honestly. This defendant built his path to citizenship on false statements while stealing millions from programs meant to retain tiny businesses alive during the pandemic. The court’s order revoking his citizenship restores accountability and reinforces a simple principle: if you lie to obtain immigration benefits and commit federal crimes, you will lose what you unlawfully gained.”
The investigation was a collaborative effort involving multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG), the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Xerri of the SBA OIG Eastern Region, Special Agent in Charge Rafael Barros of the USSS Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Ronald A. Loecker of the IRS-CI Florida Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of HSI Miami all contributed to the successful prosecution of the case. The coordinated effort demonstrates the commitment of these agencies to combating fraud and protecting taxpayer funds.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Efforts
This case is part of a larger national effort to investigate and prosecute fraud related to COVID-19 relief programs. The Department of Justice has prioritized these cases, recognizing the significant financial losses and the erosion of public trust that result from such schemes. The SBA OIG continues to investigate allegations of fraud related to SBA-administered programs, while other agencies are focused on identifying and prosecuting individuals who exploited other relief measures. The government’s ongoing vigilance is crucial in safeguarding public resources and ensuring accountability.
The prosecution of Philossaint was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marc Osborne and Shannon O’Shea Darsch. Their diligent work was instrumental in securing the conviction and the subsequent revocation of citizenship. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of fraudulent activity and the importance of honesty and integrity in the immigration process.
As of March 20, 2026, Philossaint remains incarcerated, serving his 50-month sentence. There are no currently scheduled court dates or appeals pending, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. The focus now shifts to ensuring the full recovery of the fraudulently obtained funds and preventing similar schemes from occurring in the future.
This case highlights the importance of robust oversight and enforcement mechanisms to protect vital government programs. It also underscores the enduring value of U.S. Citizenship and the need to preserve its integrity for those who obtain it through lawful means. Readers are encouraged to report any suspected fraud related to government programs to the appropriate authorities.