⏱ 3 min read
Carmine Agnello, a Long Island man, lined his own pockets with over $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds meant for local businesses and families. The 61-year-old scammer pleaded guilty to wire fraud in September 2024 and was sentenced to 15 months in prison, ordered to pay back $1.2 million, and serve two years of supervised release with 100 hours of community service.
The COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program was created to help small businesses weather the pandemic. But Agnello had other plans, using fake documents and deceit to secure the loans. He even claimed he was a minority-owned business to get preferential treatment.
Prosecutors say Agnello’s scam was a slap in the face to those who truly needed the relief. ‘He shamefully lined his own pockets with government and taxpayers’ dollars,’ said US Attorney Joseph Nocella. ‘Our Office will continue to investigate and bring to justice those criminals who stole funds meant for legitimate businesses and their employees.’
The US Postal Inspection Service and the Eastern District of New York’s US Attorney’s Office worked together to take down Agnello. ‘This investigation showcases the results that postal inspectors strive to achieve in collaboration with our law enforcement partners,’ said Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: New York
- Location: NY
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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