WHEELING, W.Va. — A former Wheeling business owner has pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining $277,456 in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
Bradley Temple, 48, of Delray Beach, admitted to the charge after operating Righteous Brother’s Trucking and applying for both a Paycheck Protection Program loan and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan under the CARES Act — programs intended to help struggling small businesses during the pandemic.
Authorities said Temple used the funds for personal expenses instead of approved purposes, including a $40,000 cashier’s check to purchase a vehicle.
Temple faces up to 10 years in federal prison and must repay the full amount. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence.
U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced the guilty plea.
