In November, WINK News was first on-scene when the Secret Service, the IRS, and the Department of Defense's Criminal Investigative Service swarmed the home and warehouses of prominent businessman and founder of Oakes Farms, Alfie Oakes.
Since then, court documents show at least three former Oakes Farms employees have pleaded guilty to federal crimes, including fraud and conspiracy.
WINK Investigates has learned a fourth employee — Kirk Henderson, a plant nursery manager — also signed a plea deal on Monday, court records show.
New fraud charge against former Oakes Farms plant nursery manager
According to Henderson's plea agreement, he is accused of signing "false and fraudulent documents that he knew would be submitted to the federal government in support of various government claims."
Court records state one of those claims was for an agricultural application for emergency relief funds through the USDA's Emergency Relief Program [ERP].
That program awards funds to companies that suffered revenue losses following natural disaster events, such as wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and more, according to the USDA's website.
In a phone call on Tuesday afternoon, Alfie Oakes confirmed Henderson worked at Oakes Farms but said he is no longer employed with the company.
Court records claim, "Henderson was promised a kickback, or portion of the proceeds, for signing the (false) paperwork."
Court records also reference an unnamed co-conspirator in the case.
WINK Investigates called and emailed prosecutors involved in the case to ask who it is and if they will face charges.
"Pending final adjudication, the investigation is ongoing," William Daniels with the Middle District of Florida's Public Affairs Office said in an email.
Court records state Henderson's ERP application was flagged and never paid due to the ongoing investigation.
"Had Henderson's false and fraudulent ERP application been paid, the government loss would have been approximately $240,660.27," court records cite.
WINK Investigates called and emailed Henderson's attorney for a comment but have not heard back.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 30.
Alfie Oakes responds to WINK Investigates
In a phone call on Tuesday, WINK Investigates asked Alfie Oakes about the charges filed against Henderson.
He hinted at more developments coming but offered little detail.
"I can't talk," he told WINK Investigates Reporter Olivia Jean. "Stay tuned, news is coming."
When asked when we would hear that news, he did not elaborate.
Henderson is the fourth former Oakes Farms employee to plead guilty to federal charges this year.
WINK Investigates is committed to following this story and will update you on-air and online as we learn more.
