LAKELAND, Fla. - Prosecutors say members of a gang involved in a mass shooting that got a lot of attention are now behind bars after being caught stealing COVID relief money from the government.

"You may remember that shooting. It made quite a stir in Lakeland," said Lakeland Police Chief Sammy Taylor.

The investigation that started January 30th of 2023 led detectives to charge two suspects with gun charges.

But, they eventually realizing that a dozen members of the gang responsible for the mass shooting were living the high life on the backs of taxpayers, thanks to paycheck protection loans.

"(One suspect) got $20,000 in loans," said US Attorney Gregory Kehoe. "What did he spend it on? He spent it on automobiles, liquor stores, and investment sites."

The PPP loans were designed to

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