A Maryland resident has been sentenced to 41 months in prison for engaging in fraudulent activities related to COVID-19 relief funds, resulting in a loss of over $2 million. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger revealed this development today.
Mohamed Kamara, a 43-year-old resident of Greenbelt, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The plea was made through a videoconference before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas, who delivered the sentence in the Newark federal court.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger highlighted the sentencing, stressing that Kamara had submitted forged applications to obtain business loans for which he was not eligible. Sellinger emphasized that the relief programs were specifically created to assist individuals who were struggling financially due to the pandemic. He stated that misusing these funds for personal gain, as Kamara did, would inevitably result in facing consequences.
James E. Dennehy, the FBI’s Special Agent in Charge in Newark, emphasized the widespread occurrence of such crimes, particularly in times of crisis. He highlighted Kamara’s confession of fabricating federal loan applications meant for pandemic-affected business owners. Dennehy cautioned prospective fraudsters about the dangers of assuming they can elude detection within bureaucratic procedures and significant financial disbursements.
During the proceedings, additional information about the case was revealed through court documents and statements.
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