The former owner of the Rapids Theatre has confessed to committing fraud, having illicitly obtained over $1.8 million in COVID-19 relief funds through false loan applications, as announced by the United States District Attorney’s Office.
John L. Hutchins, a Lewiston resident, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy involving wire fraud and bank fraud. He could face a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a fine that may reach $1 million.
The U.S. District Attorney’s Office reported that Hutchins, along with co-defendant Roberto Soliman, submitted fraudulent applications for loans under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG).
Between March to August of 2020, they secured loans totaling:
-$779,500 from five Economic Injury Disaster loans
-$989,905 from SVOG loans
-$115,978 from PPP loans
The U.S. District Attorney’s Office stated that the loan applications contained falsified financial data.
In November, the City of Niagara Falls acquired the Rapids Theatre after it was foreclosed. Originally opened in 1921 as Shea’s Bellevue Theatre, the venue has undergone various transformations, reopening as The Dome Theatre in 2004 before rebranding as The Rapids Theatre in 2009.
Charges against Soliman are still pending, according to the U.S. District Attorney’s Office.
Former Owner of Rapids Theatre Admits to $1.8 Million COVID Relief Fraud