Florida man guilty of stealing dead business partner’s identity to obtain loans for trucking companies

A Florida man was convicted on multiple charges related to a scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID business loans from the federal government on behalf of a pair of trucking companies.

On January 20, 2026, officials announced that Stephen L. Gurba, 69, of Belleair, was found guilty by a federal jury on charges of wire fraud, making a false statement to a financial institution, and aggravated identity theft.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, between March and June 2020, Gurba submitted fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications on behalf of behalf of Big Red Express Trucking, LLC and Zenith Express, LLC.

Officials say that Gurba used his former business partner’s name, signature, and other means of identification on the EIDL loan application despite the fact that the business partner died in 2019.

“Gurba also used his deceased business partner’s name and forged his signature on the EIDL loan authorization agreements and loan notes he submitted to the Small Business Administration (SBA). During post-loan related communications with the SBA, Gurba continued to impersonate his deceased business partner. As a result of his fraudulent scheme, Gurba induced the SBA to approve and fund the Big Red and Zenith EIDL loans,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Additionally, Gurba is accused of obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan on behalf of Big Red Express Trucking but using the funds “at a casino, to enrich himself and family members, pay off unrelated business debts, and other impermissible expenses.”

Officials say Gurba falsely claimed that he would use $955,448.75 PPP loan on approved expenses like payroll, mortgages, and rent.

Gurba faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each wire fraud count (2 counts), up to 30 years in prison on the false statement charge (one count), and a two-year mandatory minimum on each of the aggravated identity theft counts (2 counts).

Investigating agencies include the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and the SBA – Office of Inspector General.