Federal prosecutors said the city of West Haven paid Lauren DiMassa nearly $148,000 because she never gave money to the city. She and her husband were accused of filing fraudulent charges with the city over a coronavirus-related matrix and adding youth violence prevention, but instead used the money. for their own benefit, prosecutors said.
FORMER CONNECTICUT CITY EMPLOYEE SENTENCED TO MORE THAN A YEAR IN PRISON FOR ROLE IN COVID-19 MONEY THEFT
“I am ashamed and dismayed by my own movements and wish only to pay off my debts and a quiet life with my family,” she wrote in a letter of apology to the judge.
Lauren DiMassa, wife of former Connecticut Democratic state Rep. Michael DiMassa, has been sentenced to six months for her role in a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. (Fox News)
His lawyer advocated for a lenient sentence and noted that DiMassa is 23 weeks pregnant.
U. S. District Judge U. S. Omar Williams said the girl conceived after DiMassa’s arrest and knew she would face a prison sentence. He ordered Lauren DiMassa to report to prison until May 23. He also sentenced her to five years of probation, the first six months of which are to be spent under space arrest. He also ordered $147,776 in restitution.
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DiMassa’s attorney, Francis O’Reilly, said at her plea hearing last July that it’s important to note that DiMassa turned over most of the money she earned from the city to her husband.
Michael DiMassa, a Democrat, served as the city aide, with the strength to approve COVID-19 spending.
He resigned from that position and the state legislature after his arrest in 2021. He pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy charges similar to the general theft of more than $1. 2 million in the city’s virus relief budget and is expected to be sentenced next month.
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Another former city employee, John Bernardo, 66, was sentenced Wednesday to thirteen months in prison for his role in the scheme.