CELEBRATION, Fla. — A Celebration man who operated a tax and accounting business is suspected of using his skills as part of a fraud conspiracy that took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Barrie Osborne, 76, is accused of submitting nearly $1.5 million in fraudulent loan applications for money meant to help struggling businesses.

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Investigators say he helped other businesses file false tax returns and doctor bank statements to get that COVID relief money.

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Osborne registered to operate tax and accounting business “Guardian Angels Associates.” He’s charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Homeland Security investigators believe he and others applied for COVID-19 relief like Paycheck Protection Program loans.

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Wire fraud usually carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, but the penalty could potentially be harsher because of the connection to a federal emergency.

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