⏱ 2 min read
A 38-year-old former Veterans Affairs employee, Jesus Abreu, was charged with wire fraud in federal court in Boston for scamming COVID-19 benefits. Abreu, of Brockton, MA, allegedly submitted false claims to obtain Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Paycheck Protection Program loans, totaling $74,066. The scheme took place between July 2020 and September 2021, when Abreu was working as a Food Service Worker with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Abreu’s alleged scam involved making false claims regarding gross revenues and income, and attaching fraudulent tax documents to support his loan applications. He received $32,400 in EIDL funds and $41,666 in PPP loans, which he allegedly used for personal expenses. Abreu then submitted loan forgiveness applications, falsely claiming the entire amount was spent on payroll, resulting in the loans being forgiven.
The charges against Abreu were announced by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, along with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Labor. The Norwood Police Department provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Abreu faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss, whichever is greater.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19-related fraud and protect the integrity of government programs. The investigation and prosecution of Abreu’s alleged scam demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to holding individuals accountable for exploiting these programs for personal gain.
Related Federal Cases
- Gerardo Heriberto Nuñez Nuñez, Elder Fraud Scheme, Boston MA, 2026 · Massachusetts
- HHS Office of Inspector General, Healthcare Fraud Crackdown, Washin… · Massachusetts
- John McClure and Sarah Chambers Sentenced for Contractor Fraud Sche… · Massachusetts
- Letitia James Denounces Delay of SNAP Benefits, Boston MA, 2023 · Massachusetts
- Viviane Cazeau, Bank Fraud Scheme, Massachusetts, 2023 · Massachusetts
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Massachusetts
- Location: MA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News