Clifton lawyer sentenced to 21 months for COVID-19 relief fraud
A Clifton lawyer was sentenced to nearly two years in prison for fraudulently receiving over $300,000 in COVID-19 relief funds, according to a June 9 release from the U.S Attorney for the District of New Jersey.
Morton Chirnomas, 62, was charged with wire fraud in February of 2023 and pleaded guilty to the charge in November of the same year.
The attorney allegedly attained $150,000 through a COVID-19 relief program known as "COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans." The money was received between May and September of 2020.
Chirnomas was additionally accused of obtaining $200,000 in unemployment insurance benefits using the names and identities of other people without their permission.
State news: Bill targets NJ's worst nursing homes with new penalties
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced Chirnomas will serve 21 months in prison with three years' supervised release.
The Passaic County attorney had his law license suspended in June of 2023, according to court documents.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Clifton NJ lawyer sentenced over COVID-19 relief fraud
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