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Sanjoy Bhattacharya Faces 5-Year Prison Term for False Claims
Sanjoy Bhattacharya, a 56-year-old New Orleans resident, has pleaded guilty to making false statements to an agency of the United States, a crime that could land him in prison for up to five years. United States Attorney Dana J. Boente announced the guilty plea, which was made in federal court before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier.
According to court documents, on or about September 21, 2007, Bhattacharya applied for funds from the Louisiana Road Home Program, claiming his primary residence at the time of the storm was at 2436-38 Joseph Street in New Orleans. However, Bhattacharya knew that the property was leased to and inhabited by his tenants at the time of Hurricane Katrina.
As a result of his false statements, Bhattacharya fraudulently received approximately $84,423 from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an agency and department of the United States. This is a serious crime that has caused significant financial harm to the government and the people of Louisiana.
Upon sentencing, scheduled for May 30, 2013, Bhattacharya faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a $250,000 fine, restitution to the HUD, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia K. Evans is prosecuting the case.
This guilty plea is a major victory for the people of Louisiana and for the U.S. government. It demonstrates our commitment to holding accountable those who seek to defraud the system and harm the people of this great state.
The case will now proceed to sentencing, where Bhattacharya will face the consequences of his actions. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served in this case and in all cases involving financial crimes and corruption.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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