A Massachusetts businessman has admitted to illegally using federal pandemic aid for his own personal expenses. Jesse Lelievre, 41, of North Andover, entered a guilty plea to a charge of theft of government property, according to a press release from the Department of Justice.
Lelievre was at the helm of Paramount Plumbing & Heating LLC when he applied for a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, meant to assist businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. He secured the loan by agreeing to use the funds as working capital, however, after funneling the money into a personal bank account, he spent approximately $180,000 on a diamond ring and home renovations.
The case, led by Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Boston Division, is a stark reminder of the vigilance required in managing emergency relief funds. The press release issued by the U.S. Attorney's office indicates that Lelievre could face up to a decade in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced on December 19, 2024. The sentencing guidelines and relevant statutes will shape the final decision by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper.
In response to ongoing fraud risks related to the pandemic, the Department of Justice created the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force in May 2021. The task force plays a crucial role in pinpointing, the most egregious perpetrators of fraud and ensuring the integrity of relief program administration. It also encourages the public to report any suspected fraudulent activity in connection with COVID-19 relief efforts through the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline or the NCDF Web Complaint Form, affirming the importance of community involvement in safeguarding public funds.
