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Fayette County Auto Dealer Sentenced to Prison for COVID-19 Relief Fraud
A Fayette County auto dealer has been sentenced to prison for his role in a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. Joshua DeWitt, 38, was sentenced on February 14, 2024, in federal court for conspiracy to commit mail and bank fraud.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, DeWitt was the owner of RC Auto, a used car dealership in Fayette County. He and his co-conspirator, Terrence Newmeyer, filed fraudulent applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) COVID-19 relief loans on behalf of themselves and customers.
The scheme involved DeWitt and Newmeyer using the fraudulently obtained pandemic benefits to purchase vehicles and services from the dealership. DeWitt and Newmeyer would accept the benefits as payment for the vehicles and services sold.
U.S. Senior District Judge Arthur J. Schwab sentenced DeWitt to 10 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release. DeWitt was also ordered to pay restitution in the total amount of $60,022.50.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Bengel prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office commended the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, Pennsylvania State Police, and Fayette County District Attorney’s Office for their investigation leading to the successful prosecution of DeWitt.
Newmeyer’s sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for March 5, 2024.
DeWitt’s crime was a serious offense that involved numerous instances of criminal activity over many months. His sentence is a reminder that those who engage in COVID-19 relief fraud will be held accountable.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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