A Miami social media influencer has been sentenced to prison for misusing over $600,000 in COVID-19 relief funds on cryptocurrency and luxury cars. Scott Lee Huss, known as JRyako online, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in the scheme. He received 27 months in federal prison on September 11.
Scott Lee Huss, a 28-year-old Miami-based social media influencer and singer who uses the handle JRyako, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for his role in a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida announced the sentencing, which occurred on September 11, with the details released on Thursday.
Huss pleaded guilty to wire fraud as part of a years-long operation. According to court documents, he fraudulently applied for and obtained six Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans totaling more than $600,000. Rather than using the funds for allowable purposes like business expenses and employee payroll, Huss spent the money on cryptocurrency investments and luxury vehicles.
The scheme extended beyond the initial loans. In 2023, Huss mailed fraudulent 'payment vouchers' to car finance companies in an attempt to discharge loans on his vehicles. Overall, he sent more than $300,000 in false checks to fraudulently acquire a Lamborghini and a Mercedes-Benz.
This case highlights the misuse of pandemic relief programs intended to support businesses during economic hardship. The Southern District of Florida has prosecuted numerous similar fraud cases involving PPP funds.