
FORT MYERS
Casey Crowther, the operator of Focus on Roofing & Sheet Metal, was sentenced Tuesday afternoon to 3 a long time and a person month in federal jail. Following time served, he’ll get 36 months of supervised release.
He was convicted of misuse of the federal Paycheck Defense Program that was set up to help corporations continue to keep personnel used throughout the pandemic. He need to shell out back again far more than $2 million he owes for the personal loan in restitution.
A jury found Crowther responsible of financial institution fraud and revenue laundering but he is envisioned to plead his scenario for a lighter sentence.
The authorities-backed revenue was intended to retain enterprises afloat and to hold their workers on the payroll, not for house owners like Crowther to commit on by themselves.
In advance of the sentencing, Crowther’s attorneys preferred the federal choose to get to know the “devoted father of three, loving partner and valued member of the Fort Myers local community.” This is how Crowther is remaining explained in pre-sentencing files.
“Casey essentially lifted himself and started off roofing when he was just 15 years outdated to help with supporting the family members.”
His attorneys argued that Crowther supported the local community all over him.
By way of his attorneys, Crowther was ready to admit his errors. “He deeply regrets acquiring the boat and is really remorseful for the devastating effects his steps had on his loved ones and his company,” they mentioned.
For altering the financial institution records, Crowther expressed his “sincere remorse, shame, and regret for creating very poor conclusions.”
His legal professional informed the court docket that Crowther has currently compensated a hefty price tag for his poor conclusions. Focus on Roofing now operates from the barn in his backyard. Crowther sold the making and home along Ortiz Avenue to pay back back again his PPP loan.
Crowther appeared somber right after the sentencing.
Crowther claimed he failed his family members and personnel.
His loved ones held onto a single another soon after the sentencing.
“One of the most difficult matters I’ve at any time felt in my lifetime is the soreness that I’ve brought on some of these men and women, specifically some of the staff at Goal Roofing, who have created Goal Roofing what it is,” Crowther explained.
People workers supported Crowther for the duration of his demo, exhibiting up in their purple polos. Crowther swore he supported them proper again and vowed to get care of his clients, as well.
Crowther has a thirty day period to get his small business with each other in advance of likely to prison.
“They know I’ve created some faults but I imagine that would make me human and I think they can empathize with that, at minimum I hope. I do not know that I constantly are worthy of their help but I truly do recognize almost everything they’ve presented to me,” Crowther said.