Casey Crowther to face federal judge for sentencing

Roofing company owner Casey Crowther is set to face a federal judge Tuesday for sentencing. He was convicted of misuse of the federal Paycheck Protection Program that was set up to help businesses keep employees employed during the pandemic.

A jury found Crowther guilty of bank fraud and money laundering but is expected to plead his case for a lighter sentence.

The government-backed money was meant to keep business afloat and to keep their employees on the payroll, not for owners like Crowther to spend on themselves.

Before the sentencing, Crowther’s attorneys want the federal judge to get to know the “devoted father of three, loving husband and valued member of the Fort Myers community.” This is how Crowther is being described in pre-sentencing documents.

“Casey essentially raised himself and started roofing when he was just 15 years old to assist with supporting the family.”

His lawyers are arguing that Crowther supported the community around him. Even now, with a prison sentence hanging in the balance, he teaches people in prison how they can prepare for careers in roofing.

Through his attorneys, Crowther was able to acknowledge his mistakes. “He deeply regrets buying the boat and is extremely remorseful for the devastating consequences his actions had on his family and his business,” they said.

For altering the bank records, Crowther expressed his “sincere remorse, embarrassment, and regret for making poor decisions.”

His attorney told the court that Crowther has already paid a hefty price for his poor decisions. Target Roofing now operates from the barn in his backyard. Crowther sold the building and property along Ortiz Avenue to pay back his PPP loan.