Pretty Ricky singer Baby Blue has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for his PPP loan fraud.
The Love & Hip Hop: Miami star was arrested along with and 28-year-old Tonye C. Johnson of Pennsylvania for their roles in a $24 million COVID-19 relief fraud scam.
According to the government, the reality television star received money for a Ferrari by falsifying documents to get a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan worth nearly $427,000. He allegedly spent the money on hotels, flashy hotels and casinos, care and more.
The PPP loans were meant to help support businesses survive through the pandemic. That said, many small businesses in need were unable to receive loans, and many large companies with deep pockets (and smaller businesses not in need) were granted loans.
In May, he warned people against taking out PPP loans.
“It’s ‘ILLEGAL’ to use the funds for anything other than Payroll which is closely monitored by the government. Just don’t take the risk. Just say NO! If I’m too late and you already received a PPP Loan, give the money back. Do the right thing,” he wrote. “I would hate to see anyone else get in trouble with the law from this moving forward. I’m extremely remorseful in stating this and hope someone reads this message and makes the right decision,” Baby Blue wrote.
