By: Richard L. Smith
A Clifton-based attorney has been sentenced to nearly two years in federal prison for orchestrating a scheme to illegally obtain more than $300,000 in COVID-19 relief funds, according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Morton Chirnomas, 62, of Passaic County, received a 21-month prison term after pleading guilty to wire fraud.
The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn in Camden federal court. Following his release from prison, Chirnomas will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Federal prosecutors said that between May and September 2020, Chirnomas fraudulently secured a $150,000 loan through the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program, which was intended to provide financial assistance to businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, he unlawfully collected approximately $200,000 in unemployment insurance benefits by using the personal information of other individuals without their knowledge or consent.
Chirnomas’ actions, authorities said, exploited pandemic relief programs meant to help those in genuine need and underscored ongoing efforts by law enforcement to hold accountable those who defrauded the government during the national emergency.