NEWARK N.J. – A Sussex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced to 36 months in prison for defrauding several financial institutions and illegally obtaining more than $2 million in COVID-19 funding meant to help small businesses impacted by the pandemic, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.
John Jhong, 54, of Sparta, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an information charging him with one count each of bank fraud, money laundering, and misuse of a Social Security number. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence on Nov. 15, 2023, in Newark federal court.
“The theft of taxpayer funds is inexcusable,” Tammy Tomlins, Special Agent in Charge of IRS – Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. “IRS Criminal investigation will hold accountable anyone who steals from government programs intended to help those in need. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure fraudsters are brought to justice. Today’s sentence punishes the defendant’s criminal conduct and should serve as a significant deterrent to others who would selfishly steal from their fellow citizens to unlawfully enrich themselves.”
“Ensuring the Postal Service is not being used to perpetuate frauds against the U.S. Government, or its citizens, is one of our top priorities,” Christoper A. Nielsen, Inspector in Charge, Philadelphia Division, said. “The Postal Inspection Service will continue to investigate CAREs Act fraud schemes...
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