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Dunkirk Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government Funds Involving COVID-19 Fraud
BUFFALO, N.Y. – In a shocking turn of events, Jesus Ramos, aka Manny, 42, of Dunkirk, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to theft of government funds, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The crime, which occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, involved Ramos providing his identification information and social security number to co-defendant Lamont Brown, knowing that it would be used to obtain money that he was not entitled to. Ramos received a check totaling $11,454 from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources, which he deposited into a checking account at a Lake Shore Savings Bank, owned by Lamont Brown. These funds were later withdrawn and spent.
Ramos did not reside in, nor had he resided or worked in Puerto Rico and was therefore legally ineligible to receive the PUA funds from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources. The total loss amount to the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources due to the actions of Ramos and others involved in the scheme was $67,524.
Brown was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone, Northeast Region.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 24, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.
Ramos’s actions were a clear abuse of the government’s COVID-19 relief programs, and his guilty plea is a step towards justice being served.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for individuals to respect the law and follow the rules.
In related news, the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources has announced plans to increase oversight and monitoring of its programs to prevent similar cases from occurring in the future.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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