A Riverview man is facing federal charges over allegations of committing COVID-19 relief fraud, according to a recent announcement from United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. The individual, identified as 28-year-old David Antonetti, has been indicted on two counts of wire fraud. On conviction, Antonetti could be looking at a maximum sentence of 40 years—up to 20 years for each count.
The charges against Antonetti stem from what authorities claim was a fraudulent scheme to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, conducted from March 2021 to October 2021. Court documents obtained by The U.S. Department of Justice detail that Antonetti submitted two PPP loan applications filled with falsehoods. Designed to aid struggling businesses during the pandemic, the proceeds from these loans were subsequently transferred into his personal bank account.
It should be noted that a formal indictment is not an indication of guilt but rather a legal accusation. Antonetti remains presumed innocent until he is proven guilty in a court of law. The PPP, as part of the relief efforts from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, has been a lifeline for many during the economic stress brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The case fell under the scrutiny of The COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force, which was created by the Attorney General in May 2021. The task force plays a central role in enhancing efforts to combat pandemic-related fraud working in partnership with various government agencies. Working with fervent diligence, the task force’s mission is to also ensure that agencies tasked with relief program administration are shielded from fraudulent activities.
As reported by The Justice Department, the investigation into Antonetti's activities was a collaborative effort between the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General, with Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor heading the prosecution.
