A Lamar man who took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to rip off the U. S. Government for more than half a million dollars waived indictment on fraud and money laundering charges today in U. S. District Court in Springfield and pleaded guilty.
According to the plea agreement, Brian Ruth, Sr., 44, between May 1 and July 10, 2020, submitted applications and documentation for three companies that had no employees and were not conducting any business, Ruth Properties MGM, LLC, Ruth Properties MGM and Ruth Trucking, LLC and received $522,765 in PPP funds through the Cares Act.
According to court documents, Ruth used the money to buy three cars, some property and gambling expenses at several casinos.
Ruth later traded in two of the cars, including a trade with Fletcher Auto Group in Joplin for a 2020 Dodge Challenger.
Ruth's crimes were committed in Jasper and Henry counties and elsewhere, according to court documents. The elsewhere would appear to include Barton County since court records show some of the money passed through Ruth's account at Lamar Bank and Trust.
Ruth was released on a personal recognizance bond while he awaits sentencing. No date has been set for the sentencing.
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