Florida Man Loses Citizenship Over $3.8M COVID-19 Fraud Scheme

Haitian national stripped of U.S. citizenship after bilking millions from pandemic relief programs during naturalization process

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Haitian national has been stripped of his United States citizenship after fraudulently obtaining nearly $4 million from COVID-19 relief programs during his naturalization process, federal authorities said. Joff Stenn Wroy Philossaint, 36, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was ordered by a U.S. District Judge to have his citizenship revoked after making false statements to immigration officials.

Why it matters

This case highlights the government's efforts to crack down on fraud related to COVID-19 relief programs, which were intended to support small businesses and individuals impacted by the pandemic. It also underscores the serious consequences of lying to obtain U.S. citizenship, which is considered one of the greatest privileges the nation can offer.

The details

Philossaint fraudulently obtained $3.8 million in COVID-19 relief funds either by using companies he owned or controlled or by preparing loan applications for others in exchange for kickbacks. The applications contained materially false information about revenues and payroll. Philossaint and his associates ultimately submitted 40 fraudulent loan applications, and he personally received about $549,000 through the scheme.

  • Philossaint applied for U.S. citizenship in February 2020.
  • Philossaint obtained U.S. citizenship in February 2021.
  • Philossaint was charged in September 2022 with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to launder money, and unlawful procurement of citizenship.
  • Philossaint was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison in June 2023.
  • A motion filed by federal prosecutors seeking to revoke Philossaint's citizenship was granted in February 2023.

The players

Joff Stenn Wroy Philossaint

A 36-year-old Haitian national who was stripped of his U.S. citizenship after fraudulently obtaining nearly $4 million from COVID-19 relief programs during his naturalization process.

U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith

The judge who ordered the revocation of Philossaint's U.S. citizenship.

U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones

The U.S. Attorney who stated that U.S. citizenship is a great privilege that must be earned honestly, and that the court's order revoking Philossaint's citizenship restores accountability.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“United States citizenship is one of the greatest privileges our nation can offer, and it must be earned honestly. This defendant built his path to citizenship on false statements while stealing millions from programs meant to keep small businesses alive during the pandemic. The court's order revoking his citizenship restores accountability and reinforces a simple principle: If you lie to obtain immigration benefits and commit federal crimes, you will lose what you unlawfully gained.”

— U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Joff Stenn Wroy Philossaint out on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the government's zero-tolerance approach to fraud related to COVID-19 relief programs, as well as the serious consequences of lying to obtain U.S. citizenship. It serves as a warning that those who abuse the immigration system and commit federal crimes will face harsh penalties, including the revocation of their citizenship.