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Shelton Man Admits COVID-19 Relief Funds Scam
VINCENZO MINUTOLO, 38, of Shelton, Connecticut, has pleaded guilty to COVID-19 relief funds fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut. On February 28, 2025, Minutolo waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Minutolo defrauded the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan program of more than $145,000 by providing false information on loan applications for City Sounds Productions LLC, including overstating the yearly gross income for the company, misrepresenting that similar PPP loans had not been or would not be sought, and providing fraudulent IRS tax filings and tax payment vouchers.
Minutolo also defrauded the Connecticut Department of Labor (CT-DOL) of at least $86,000, and as much as approximately $273,000, by providing the CT-DOL with fraudulent Pandemic Unemployment Assistance applications seeking unemployment insurance payments in others’ names, including individuals who had died, and individuals who did not know that their name and sometimes other personal information was being used.
The PPP loan program, authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program allowed qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive unsecured loans at an interest rate of 1%, which were to be used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.
Minutolo pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. Sentencing is scheduled for April 11, 2025. Minutolo faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. The total amount of loss in the case is estimated to be over $230,000.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines is handling the prosecution.
Minutolo’s crimes are a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in the face of COVID-19 relief funds scams. As the nation continues to recover from the pandemic, it is essential that we hold individuals accountable for their actions and work to prevent such scams from occurring in the future.
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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