Ex-Cleveland Restaurateur Pleads Guilty to Stealing COVID-19 Funds

Marcelo Fadul Neves admitted to defrauding a government grants program and writing bad checks totaling over $1 million.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:08pm

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Marcelo Fadul Neves, the former owner of Crop Bistro in Cleveland, has pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges after prosecutors accused him of stealing over $800,000 in COVID-19 relief funds and writing $140,000 in bad checks, some of which were to his own employees. Neves used the stolen pandemic relief money to purchase a different restaurant, Bistro on the Falls, in Olmsted Falls.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of fraud and abuse related to COVID-19 relief funds, which were intended to help struggling businesses and workers but were instead exploited by some individuals for personal gain. It also raises concerns about the oversight and accountability measures in place for these types of government assistance programs.

The details

Neves pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated theft, grand theft, theft from a person in a protected class, and four counts of passing bad checks. As part of his plea deal, he was ordered to pay $969,315 in restitution to nine victims. Prosecutors say Neves applied for the federal COVID-19 relief funds under the pretense that they were for his now-closed Crop Bistro restaurant, but instead used the money to purchase a different restaurant, Bistro on the Falls, in Olmsted Falls.

  • On Monday, Marcelo Fadul Neves, 60, of Westlake pleaded guilty to the charges.
  • Neves had been scheduled to begin trial before Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Andrew Santoli when he entered the plea.
  • Neves' sentencing is scheduled for April 29.

The players

Marcelo Fadul Neves

The 60-year-old former owner of Crop Bistro in Cleveland who pleaded guilty to stealing over $800,000 in COVID-19 relief funds and writing $140,000 in bad checks.

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office

The office that prosecuted Neves for the fraud and theft charges.

Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Andrew Santoli

The judge presiding over Neves' case.

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What’s next

Neves' sentencing is scheduled for April 29, where the judge will determine his punishment for the multiple felony charges.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of robust oversight and accountability measures for government assistance programs, especially during times of crisis, to ensure the funds reach their intended recipients and are not misused for personal gain.