A Florida man was sentenced to eight years and six months in federal prison is an example of efforts to combat COVID-19-related fraud.
Don V. Cisternino, 47, of Chuluota, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and illegal monetary transaction, a Jan. 17 news release said. The charges were related to Cisternino obtaining more than $7.2 million in emergency funds through a Paycheck Protection Program loan he wasn’t entitled to.
“The Middle District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting the integrity of government programs established to provide relief for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg said in the release. “These cases should serve as a warning to those who might have engaged in similar fraudulent activity that holding those accountable for these crimes remains a high priority for federal authorities.”
According to the release, Cisternino pleaded guilty Sept. 20, 2022, after being extradited from Croatia.
Efforts to combat COVID-19-related fraud include complementary actions by the Criminal, Asset Recovery and Civil Divisions, along with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, the release reported.
The Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force, formed in March 2020, identifies, investigates and prosecutes fraud related to the coronavirus pandemic, the release said.
The task force has prosecuted 52 people for fraud schemes that exploited federal programs created or expanded to address the pandemic. Among federal programs investigated include the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Unemployment Insurance, the release reported.
Collectively, criminals defrauded the U.S. of more than than $58 million. According to the release, 37 people were found guilty, and prosecution is pending against 15 people.
