Jacksonville Landlord Accused of Rent Fraud | Jacksonville News

A Jacksonville landlord, Edward Malone, faces federal wire fraud charges for allegedly submitting fake leases and applications to siphon over $54,000 from a pandemic-era rental assistance program funded by federal dollars. The scheme, uncovered by the city’s Office of Inspector General, involved nine fraudulent leases and nine bogus applications over six months in 2021, with money funneled into two separate bank accounts—leading to two felony counts carrying up to 20 years each. Malone, who owns multiple properties, has pleaded not guilty, but if convicted, he’ll face prison time and restitution. This case underscores how even well-meaning relief programs can become targets for exploitation—and authorities are determined to hold offenders accountable. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b9f0a61ebff1ebbf