Bubba the Love Sponge Claims Hulk Hogan Was a Victim in $890K Federal Fraud Case

Hulk Hogan may have been the unnamed “public figure” at the center of a massive federal fraud case — at least according to Bubba the Love Sponge, who spent a lengthy segment on his show breaking down why he believes the indictment points directly to Hogan.

The indictment, filed in the Middle District of Florida, charges Florida CPA and attorney Melissia Katherine Gauthreaux with six counts of wire fraud tied to the alleged embezzlement of more than $890,000 from a client identified only as a “public figure.” While Hogan’s name does not appear anywhere in the public filing, Bubba spent a large portion of his YouTube broadcast explaining why he believes the details point directly toward Terry Bollea.

As Bubba opened the discussion, he immediately framed the situation as a case involving Hogan specifically and argued that other media outlets were missing the connections inside the paperwork.

“So, this woman stole nearly 0,000 from Hulk Hogan. Now, how this slipped through the cracks—probably because the media doesn’t know what I know and you know what I know. If you know what I know, then you read this indictment differently. Otherwise, it’s just another, you know, shady-ass accountant that, uh, stole money from their client.”

While introducing the federal filing itself, Bubba explained that the case originated out of the Tampa division of the Middle District of Florida and stressed that the allegations had already gone before a grand jury.

“And now the FBI and the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division—uh, on 4/21—made this indictment. Now, I think an indictment is an arrest. It says the grand jury charges.”

As Bubba read through the legal documents live on-air, he repeatedly circled back to the belief that the unnamed victim in the case was Hogan. Bubba specifically claimed the accused woman had allegedly been handling Hogan’s books and finances.

“Basically, this woman stole, I think, maybe nearly 0,000 from Hulk Hogan. This was Hulk Hogan’s bookkeeper.”

Bubba then connected the allegations to larger financial and legal issues surrounding businesses associated with Hogan’s name, including Real American Beer.

“And so, as the plot thickens, you know, Hogan’s All-American or Real American Beer—that company has filed a lawsuit against Hogan’s estate, I think million.”

As the broadcast continued, Bubba carefully read portions of the indictment that described the alleged victim. He focused heavily on the wording used by federal prosecutors describing the victim as a public figure who controlled multiple business entities in Florida.

“Victim one was a public figure who resided in the Middle District of Florida. Victim one owned, operated, and controlled several business entities within the Middle District of Florida.”

Bubba argued that this specific language immediately narrowed the possibilities in his mind and suggested the description perfectly matched Hogan’s situation.

“Who does that? Who does that? So far, if you know, you know. Who’s laser-locked as the victim here?”

After someone nearby answered “Terry Bollea,” Bubba doubled down on the claim and directly identified Hogan as the person he believes federal prosecutors are referring to: “Yeah. Hulk Hogan.” Bubba then claimed that other news outlets had failed to connect the dots inside the filing the way he had. He presented himself as the first person publicly piecing together the alleged connection.

“I’m the only one that can sniff this out. So, I’m sniffing this out for you. Channel 28, for you, Fox 13, for you, the Tampa Times.”

The conversation then shifted toward Bubba’s belief that additional people connected to Hogan’s finances could potentially become involved as the investigation continues. Bubba speculated that Gauthreaux may not have been the only person with extensive access to Hogan’s accounts.

“She may have taken the fall, but she does business with somebody that’s even higher up on the accounting side dealing with Hogan’s money.”

As he continued expanding on that theory, Bubba suggested there were others around Hogan’s financial operations who may also come under scrutiny later: “She’s not the only entity that had unabated access to Hogan’s money.” He then went even further by hinting that more charges could potentially follow depending on where the investigation leads.

“And in fact, she may have been hired by another person that might have charges coming soon too.”

At one point during the show, Bubba stopped speculating and directly read from the official Department of Justice release announcing the indictment and the possible penalties attached to the charges.

“Melissa Gauthreaux has been charged by federal indictment with six counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Gauthreaux faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count.”

Bubba also pointed to the amount federal prosecutors are seeking to recover through forfeiture if the allegations are proven in court.

“The indictment also notifies Gauthreaux that the United States government is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of 4,274.26, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.”

As he continued reviewing the federal allegations, Bubba read another section describing how prosecutors believe the money was allegedly taken over several years.

“From 2017 until 2021, Gauthreaux used her business to steal more than 0,000 from one of her clients, a public figure who lived in the Middle District of Florida.”

Bubba then gave emphasis to another portion of the filing describing how the accused allegedly had direct access to the victim’s financial accounts.

“Gauthreaux had signing power and authority over her client’s bank accounts and was able to move funds without the client’s knowledge and/or consent.”

Later in the segment, Bubba brought up longtime Hogan associate Terry McCoy while discussing who may have hired Gauthreaux or discovered the alleged financial discrepancies. Bubba explained that he had received information from sources tying McCoy closely to Hogan’s estate matters.

“I think I have verification that says Terry McCoy is a close associate and curator of the late Hulk Hogan’s estate.”

Bubba then elaborated on McCoy’s alleged role in handling Hogan-related legal matters and intellectual property.

“McCoy was appointed to handle legal actions regarding Hogan’s intellectual property.”

As the speculation continued, Bubba suggested McCoy may have played a role in bringing Gauthreaux into Hogan’s business structure in the first place.

“I’ve been told that potentially Terry McCoy might have been the person that hired Melissa Gauthreaux.”

He also theorized that McCoy could have been involved in uncovering the alleged missing money: “Maybe he’s the one that actually discovered the thievery as well.” Even while making those claims, Bubba admitted McCoy’s name does not appear anywhere in the actual indictment documents.

“I’ve not seen him on any part of the indictment or anything.”

Toward the end of the discussion, Bubba read another portion of the filing that specifically referenced alleged unauthorized withdrawals tied to Hogan’s financial accounts.

“It’s further part of the scheme and artifice that Gauthreaux withdrew and caused to be withdrawn monies from Hogan’s financial accounts… for services that Hogan had no knowledge of and had not approved.”

After spending the entire segment breaking down the allegations, Bubba closed by reacting emotionally to the idea that Hogan may have allegedly been taken advantage of financially by someone trusted with his books.

“Man, poor Hogan. Like, everybody was ripping him off. Like, you know, when you got that kind of money, even your bookkeeper tries to clip you for 900 grand.”

At this time, federal authorities have not publicly identified Hulk Hogan as the unnamed “public figure” referenced in the indictment. Bubba’s claims are based on his interpretation of the federal filing, his personal knowledge of Hogan’s business dealings, and information he says he received from sources during the broadcast.

Do you think the unnamed “public figure” in this federal fraud case is Hulk Hogan, or do you think people are connecting dots too quickly based on incomplete information? Drop your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.

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