New Orleans Man Charged in HUD Scam

Sanjoy Bhattacharya, 56, a resident of New Orleans, has been charged with making false statements to an agency of the United States, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.

According to a one-count indictment filed today, prior to and during the time of Hurricane Katrina, Bhattacharya resided on Tyler Drive in Slidell, Louisiana. 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 on Joseph Street in New Orleans, a property he knew was leased to and inhabited by his tenants at the time of the storm.

As a result of the false statements in his application, 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.

If convicted, Bhattacharya faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a $250,000 fine, restitution to the HUD, three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.

U. S. Attorney Boente reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Julia K. Evans.

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