A Niagara Falls resident has admitted to defrauding federal COVID-19 relief programs of more than $1.8 million. Roberto Soliman, 43, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, Soliman and his co-defendant John Hutchins worked with others between March 2020 and March 2024 to submit fraudulent applications for loans under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). These programs were created by the CARES Act to provide emergency financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fraudulent loan applications were made on behalf of several companies owned by Hutchins: Rapids Theatre Niagara Falls, USA, Inc.; 1711 Main, LLC; Bear Creek Entertainment, LLC; Hutch Enterprises, LLC; The Hutchins Agency, LLC; as well as CWE Entertainment, Corp., which was owned by Soliman.
Between March and August 2020, Soliman and Hutchins received five EIDL loans totaling $779,500. They also obtained SVOG loans amounting to $989,905.05. In addition, they secured a PPP loan from Bank on Buffalo for $74,838 and another PPP loan from Northwest Bank for $41,140. Authorities said false revenue and expense figures were submitted in support of each application.
John Hutchins previously pleaded guilty in connection with the case and is awaiting sentencing.
“The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Rose Brophy, Director of Field Operations, and the New York State Office of Professional Discipline,” according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
Sentencing for Soliman is scheduled for October 29, 2025 before Judge Meredith A. Vacca.
