John L. Hutchins, a 71-year-old resident of Lewiston, New York, has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo in Buffalo, New York. The charges carry a potential maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Bonanno and Douglas A. C. Penrose are handling the case. They reported that from March 2020 to March 2024, Hutchins conspired with co-defendant Roberto Soliman and others to submit fraudulent loan applications under various COVID-19 relief programs including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). These programs were part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act designed to provide emergency financial assistance.
Hutchins applied for loans using several companies he owned: Rapids Theatre Niagara Falls, USA, Inc., 1711 Main, LLC, Bear Creek Entertainment, LLC, Hutch Enterprises, LLC, The Hutchins Agency, LLC; and CWE Entertainment Corp., which is owned by Soliman.
Between March and August 2020, Hutchins and Soliman received five EIDL loans totaling $779,500. Additionally, they obtained SVOG loans amounting to $989,905.05 as well as PPP loans from Bank on Buffalo for $74,838 and Northwest Bank for $41,140. False revenue and expense figures were submitted in support of these loan applications.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia's direction; the Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigation Division led by Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis; U.S. Customs and Border Protection directed by Rose Brophy; and the New York State Office of Professional Discipline.
Charges against Roberto Soliman are still pending.