By: Tracie Carter
A Sussex County man has been convicted by a federal jury of fraudulently obtaining more than $2.1 million through COVID-19 relief programs and laundering the proceeds, federal officials announced.
Nikenson Jean Mathurin, 46, of Sparta, was found guilty on May 21 following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court.
The jury convicted Mathurin of three counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Sentencing is scheduled for October 6.
According to information released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mathurin participated in a scheme beginning in April 2020 to obtain federal pandemic relief funds through fraudulent applications submitted to lenders and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Prosecutors said Mathurin submitted 15 fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) on behalf of businesses he claimed to own.
The applications allegedly contained false payroll figures, inflated revenue information, fabricated employee counts, and fake tax and payroll records.
As a result of the scheme, authorities said Mathurin unlawfully received more than $2.1 million in federal emergency relief funds intended to help businesses survive the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer said the relief programs were designed to help struggling businesses retain employees and remain operational during a national emergency, not to enrich individuals through fraud.
The investigation was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan of the Newark Field Office said the case demonstrates the agency’s commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars and pursuing those who misuse government assistance programs.
Each wire fraud conviction carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, while the money laundering conviction carries a maximum penalty of 10 years. 
The charges also carry substantial financial penalties.
Federal sentencing will be determined by the court.