Sanjoy Bhattacharya, a 56-year-old New Orleans resident, has been sentenced to three years of probation and a $15,000 fine for defrauding the Louisiana Road Home Program. The sentencing took place in federal court before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier.
Bhattacharya pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to an agency of the United States. He applied for funds from the Louisiana Road Home Program claiming his primary residence at the time of Hurricane Katrina was at 2436-38 Joseph Street, New Orleans.
However, court documents revealed that Bhattacharya knew the property was leased to and inhabited by his tenants at the time of the storm. As a result, he received approximately $84,423 from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, which he paid back to the government in February 2013.
The case was investigated by agents with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans prosecuted the case.
The Louisiana Road Home Program was designed to provide assistance to homeowners who suffered damage to their properties during Hurricane Katrina. However, the program was plagued by fraud and abuse, with numerous individuals and companies taking advantage of the system.
Bhattacharya’s sentence serves as a reminder that those who engage in fraudulent activities will be held accountable. The sentencing also underscores the importance of the Louisiana Road Home Program, which provided critical assistance to many homeowners in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
While the sentence may seem lenient to some, it is a significant consequence for Bhattacharya, who will have to navigate the terms of his probation and pay the fine. The case serves as a warning to others who may be considering engaging in similar activities.
Related Federal Cases
- Doctor Admits Role in $Millions Sober Home Scam · Louisiana
- Louisiana Nursing Home Owner Hit With Exclusion Due to Squalid Conditions, Deaths · Louisiana
- Metairie Fraudster Gets 43-Month Sentence in $10M Tax Scam · Alabama
- CEO Jeffrey Eugene Rose Sr. Convicted in $9.6M Worker’s Comp Scam · Texas
- Louisiana Conspirator Pleads Guilty in Emissions Fraud Scam · New York
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News