COVID-19 fraud on Long Island: See who's been convicted and how much they have to pay back
The Alfonse M. D'Amato U.S. Courthouse in Central Islip, where Long Island residents accused of COVID-19 fraud are being tried. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
Eleven residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties have been convicted of bilking the federal government’s marquee business-relief programs during the pandemic, according to a Newsday analysis of federal court cases.
Together, the defendants have been ordered to pay $19.1 million in restitution — of which $3.6 million, or 19%, has been collected so far, the analysis shows. The restitution orders remain in effect for 20 years.
In addition, two defendants have been ordered to forfeit property and money on top of the restitution.
At least 31 Long Islanders fleeced more than $93 million from the Paycheck Protection Program, COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans and three tax-credit programs in 2020-23, a separate Newsday analysis shows.
Here's a list of the local residents who have been sentenced and how much they must repay the federal government.
James T. Madore writes about Long Island business news including the economy, development, and the relationship between government and business. He previously served as Albany bureau chief.
