Louisiana man pleads guilty in $74K pandemic relief fraud scheme
BATON ROUGE, LA – A Prairieville man has pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to defraud a Louisiana childcare grant program created with pandemic … Read more
Relief
Debt relief and vacation ahead for $50K lottery winner
Delaware, OH – A $50 scratch-off ticket turned into a $50,000 prize for one lucky Ohio player who recently hit big on the Billion instant … Read more
Van Drew urges Treasury to include casino workers in tax relief for tipped employees
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) on Thursday pressed the U.S. Department of the Treasury to explicitly include casino workers in the implementation … Read more
SBA Announces Ticking Clock Federal Drought Relief Assistance for New Jersey, Farmers Ineligible
TRENTON, N.J. — The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in New Jersey that they have until Aug. 11 … Read more
Middlesex County woman pleads guilty to $194K COVID-19 relief fraud scheme
TRENTON, N.J. — A Perth Amboy woman admitted to fraudulently obtaining more than $190,000 in federal COVID-19 relief funds, including loans and unemployment benefits, by … Read more
New Jersey lawmaker slams Trenton Democrats for rejecting GOP energy cost relief proposals
TRENTON, N.J. — State Senator Jim Holzapfel on Tuesday condemned Trenton Democrats for voting down two Republican-backed amendments aimed at reducing energy costs and increasing … Read more
Sherrill warns clean energy will cost you and arm and a leg, drive up bills as NJ voters demand relief
Trenton, NJ — Rep. Mikie Sherrill, now running for governor, is telling New Jersey residents to brace for higher energy costs as the state pushes … Read more
South Jersey man scammed elderly woman out of $185,000, scammed COVID-19 relief program out of $1.4 million
NEWARK, N.J. – A Washington Township man pleaded guilty Thursday to a scheme that defrauded the IRS of over $1.4 million in COVID-19 tax credits … Read more
Ciattarelli and Sherrill clash on X over tax relief bill in early preview of NJ governor’s race
TRENTON, N.J. — Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill traded sharp criticism on social media this week over a proposed federal tax bill, offering … Read more
New Jersey about to get hit with 20% energy rate hike, here’s what you can do
NEWARK, N.J. — Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) has amended its May 7 filing with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) … Read more
New Jersey Pollen Levels Reach Peak: How to Avoid Allergies, What to Expect, and When Relief Is Coming
As spring blooms across New Jersey, pollen levels are hitting their peak, triggering sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion for millions of residents. In April and … Read more
Governor Murphy wants COVID-19 relief funds four years after pandemic’s end
Trenton, NJ – Four years after the COVID-19 curve was flattened and lockdowns lifted, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is locked in a heated dispute … Read more
Egg Prices Drop Below $3, Bringing Relief to New Jersey and Beyond
In a welcome turn of events for consumers across New Jersey and the United States, egg prices on the wholesale market have dipped below $3 … Read more
New York Theatre owner pleads guilty to $1.8M COVID relief fraud scheme
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The owner of the Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls has pleaded guilty to defrauding federal COVID-19 relief programs out of more than … Read more
New Jersey lawmakers criticize governor’s budget, call for tax relief
TRENTON, N.J. – Republican lawmakers from New Jersey’s 9th Legislative District criticized Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed FY2026 budget, arguing it exacerbates the state’s affordability crisis … Read more
New Jersey Offers Post-Conviction Relief for DWI on Allegedly Faulty Tests
New Jersey Offers Post-Conviction Relief for Affected DWI Cases
**Trenton, NJ** – The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General announced that individuals who were arrested or convicted for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and provided breath samples on affected Alcotest instruments may qualify for post-conviction relief.
This announcement is in line with the State v. Zingis, 259 N.J. 1 (2024) decision, and follows the precedent set by the 2018 State v. Cassidy case. The related press release is available on the New Jersey Attorney General’s website.
Two documents are accessible to the public to assist in determining eligibility for relief. These include a spreadsheet listing every breath sample taken on affected devices from November 5, 2008, to April 9, 2016, and a database containing calibration records.
Those who believe they qualify for relief can file a petition under Court Rule 7:10-2 with the municipal court where they were convicted. Consultation with a private attorney or public defender is recommended to explore eligibility and necessary actions.
Hampton landlord sentenced to 17 years for using black tennants’ names for COVID-19 relief fraud
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A Hampton landlord who engaged in a scheme of racial harassment, fraud, and abuse targeting low-income minority tenants was sentenced Wednesday … Read more
Biden Pledges $1 Billion to African Relief As American Hurricane Victims Left Out in Cold
President Joe Biden’s recent pledge of over $1 billion in humanitarian aid to Africa has ignited debates, especially among Americans in the South grappling with … Read more
Two Mississippi women indicted in $65 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A federal grand jury has returned a 53-count indictment charging Renata Walton, 44, and Nicole Jones, 36, both of Olive Branch, Mississippi, … Read more
Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office leads relief effort for students after Hurricane Helene
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit rallied community support to help students and … Read more
The three men face significant penalties for allegedly exploiting a pandemic relief program designed to support struggling businesses.
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — A federal grand jury has indicted three Metro East men on 13 counts for their alleged roles in a Paycheck … Read more
A New Jersey tax preparer is accused of inflating client refunds and misusing COVID-19 relief funds in a fraud scheme totaling over $1 million.
NEWARK, N.J. — A New Jersey tax preparer faces a 16-count federal indictment for allegedly falsifying tax returns and fraudulently obtaining funds from COVID-19 relief … Read more
Queens Man Charged with Pandemic Relief Fund Fraud
Queens Man Charged with Pandemic Relief Fund Fraud
**Queens, NY** – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has charged Humayun Kabir with grand larceny and related crimes. He allegedly misappropriated pandemic relief funds via federal loans meant to aid workers and small business owners suffering due to COVID-19. Kabir reportedly used the money to purchase properties in Niagara Falls.
Kabir, 53, secured a Payroll Protection Program loan and an Economic Injury Disaster loan by claiming economic harm from working as an Uber and Lyft driver. DA Katz expressed that her office would aggressively pursue those exploiting government relief programs. She acknowledged the collaborative efforts with Homeland Security Investigations New York, the New York State Department of Financial Services, and the NYPD Financial Crimes Task Force.
Special Agent William S. Walker from HSI New York criticized Kabir for his alleged actions during a crisis. Kabir was arraigned and faces a nine-count complaint with various charges. He could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top charge, and his court return is set for January 16, 2025.
An investigation began after a tip-off in March 2023 from a fraud monitoring service, leading to the discovery that Kabir allegedly
West Virginia woman faked business operation to scam federal goverment out of COVID-19 relief funds
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A St. Albans woman was sentenced Friday to five years of federal probation and ordered to pay $25,830 in restitution after admitting … Read more
Florida Sues FEMA Over Alleged Discrimination Against Trump Supporters in Hurricane Relief
Tallahassee, FL – Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed a federal lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its administrator, Deanne Criswell, … Read more
Buncombe County community rallies for hurricane relief efforts
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office has commended the local community for its collective efforts to … Read more
Eight reputed New York City gang members indicted in $10 million COVID relief fraud scheme
BRONX, N.Y. — Eight alleged members and associates of the “Shiesty 66” gang have been indicted in a large-scale bank fraud scheme that netted over … Read more
Disaster Relief Efforts Mobilized in South Carolina
Columbia, SC- Greg’s Grocery’s Serve & Connect recently organized a disaster relief packing event in response to the impact of Hurricane Helene. The event was … Read more
Allegany County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Disaster Relief Donations
Cumberland, MD- The Allegany County Sheriff’s Office in Maryland is actively accepting donations for North Carolina Disaster Relief efforts until Friday. Contributions can be made … Read more
FEMA Faces Criticism for Prioritizing Social Media Rumor Control Over Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
As the U.S. reels from the devastation left by Hurricane Helene, questions are swirling around FEMA’s handling of relief efforts—particularly its focus on debunking social … Read more
Henderson County Maintains State of Emergency Amid Ongoing Relief Efforts
Henderson County, NC -Henderson County remains under a State of Emergency with a curfew in effect from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. A donation drop-off … Read more
Pennsylvania Man Indicted for Mail and Wire Fraud in COVID-19 Relief Scheme and Auto Fraud
PHILADELPHIA, P.A. — Justin Heimbach, 33, of Bath, Pennsylvania, has been indicted on charges of mail fraud and wire fraud in connection with schemes to … Read more
New Jersey Couple Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Federal COVID-19 Relief Program
TRENTON, N.J. — A New Jersey couple admitted to fraudulently obtaining approximately $790,000 in federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) payments, U.S. Attorney Philip R. … Read more
Stabbing Incident at Randall’s Island Migrant Relief Center
NEW YORK, NY—A serious altercation led to a stabbing at the Randall’s Island Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center on Sunday morning. Police responded to … Read more
Annapolis Activates Cooling Centers for Extreme Heat Relief
Annapolis, MD – The City of Annapolis will activate its cooling centers from July 8 to July 11 to provide relief from extreme heat conditions … Read more
New York City Man Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud
SEATTLE, WA – Donte McClellon, a 30-year-old from New York City, was sentenced today to 42 months in prison on charges of wire fraud and … Read more
Omaha Man Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Program Fraud
During 2020 and 2021, Harper, assisted by another person, submitted applications for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program loans. Those … Read more
Multistate COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme Leads to Three Indictments
CAMDEN, NJ – U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the indictment of three individuals for their involvement in a fraudulent scheme to obtain roughly $5 … Read more
Sanctuary City Redirected $700,000 In COVID Relief Funds To Illegal Immigrants, Probe Finds
The blue city of Madison, Wisconsin, funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars in COVID-19 relief funds to illegal immigrants, according to the Institute for Reforming … Read more
New Restaurant Joins Brick Township’s Business Tax Relief Program
BRICK, NJ — Mayor Lisa Crate and Councilman Perry Albanese recently welcomed Super Pollo II, a Peruvian restaurant, into the Buy In Brick Property Tax … Read more
NYC Public Employees Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud
CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — Arthur Cornwall, formerly employed by the New York City Transit Authority, and Sean Williams, a former New York State Court Officer, … Read more
Las Vegas Man Sentenced To Prison For COVID-19 Relief Loan Scheme Committed While On Supervised Release
According to court documents, at the time of the fraud scheme, Arian Anthony Bailey, 34, was serving a term of federal supervised release for felony … Read more
Jury Finds Lexington Couple Guilty of Fraudulently Obtaining COVID Relief Loans
According to the evidence at trial, from May 5, 2020 through July 25, 2020, the Harrises submitted materially false applications to the Small Business Administration … Read more
Former Broker Sentenced for $1.2 Million Fraud and Misuse of Pandemic Relief Funds
TRENTON, NJ – A man from Monmouth County, New Jersey, has been sentenced to 45 months in prison for defrauding investors of over $1.2 million … Read more
Debt relief delays could mean ‘disorderly’ defaults: IMF official
By Rachel Savage and Kopano Gumbi JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – The flagship debt restructuring process for low income countries needs to speed up, otherwise there could … Read more
Pandemic Relief Fraudster Arrested
QUEENS, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Papa Diakhate, 54, of Astoria Boulevard in East Elmhurst, has been sentenced to one to … Read more
Senate Border Deal May Undercut Provision That Democratic Cities Have Demanded For Migrant Relief
Senate Border Deal May Undercut Provision That Democratic Cities Have Demanded For Migrant Relief Arjun Singh on January 26, 2024 A provision of the Senate’s … Read more
US launches disaster relief reforms as climate-driven events rise
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration on Friday said it was launching the most major reforms to disaster management relief in two decades … Read more
Japan to double budget reserves for earthquake relief – PM Kishida
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s government plans to double budget reserves to 1 trillion yen ($6.9 billion) for earthquake relief in the next fiscal year, Prime … Read more
Pennsylvania Attorney General Secures Debt Relief for Students of Closed Pittsburgh Career Institute
HARRISBURG, PA – Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced a significant agreement with the Pittsburgh Career Institute (PCI), which recently closed, to absolve dozens of … Read more