PLANO, Texas – A Plano dentist has been sentenced to federal prison for COVID-19 relief related violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs today.
Brian Bui, 43, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan.
According to court documents, Bui used his dentistry business to obtain at least two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans by submitting materially false application paperwork, including fabricating supporting documentation and lying about the number of employees and monthly payroll expenses. As a result of his conduct, he obtained approximately $1.89 million in forgivable loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Bui used the funds in a manner not authorized by the program, including for non-business, personal investments. Bui was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,491,305.97.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anand Varadarajan.