NEWARK, N.J. – Today, a Maryland resident was sentenced to 41 months in prison for fraudulent activities involving over $2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the sentencing.
Mohamed Kamara, 43, from Greenbelt, Maryland, had earlier admitted guilt to charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The plea was entered via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas. Judge Salas delivered the sentence in the Newark federal court.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger remarked on the sentencing, highlighting that Kamara submitted forged applications to secure business loans he was not eligible for. He emphasized that the relief programs were designed to aid Americans grappling with the pandemic’s financial impacts. Misusing these funds for personal gain, Sellinger stated, inevitably leads to consequences like those faced by Kamara.
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI – Newark, James E. Dennehy, commented on the pervasive nature of such crimes, especially during crises. He pointed out Kamara’s admission of falsifying federal loan applications intended for business owners affected by the pandemic. Dennehy warned potential fraudsters about the risks of assuming they can evade detection amidst bureaucratic processes and substantial financial distributions.
The court documents and statements during the proceedings provided further details of the case.