WEST HAVEN, Conn. (1010 WINS) — A West Haven city employee pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a federal conspiracy charge for his role in a fraud scheme to steal COVID-19 relief funds, according to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
John Bernardo, 66, was employed by the city as a housing specialist in the office of Community Development Administration, according to court documents and statements made in court.
Prosectuors said that Bernardo and another city employee formed Compass Investment Group, LLC in January 2021.
Starting in February 2021, Compass Investment Group LLC fraudulently billed the City of West Haven and its COVID-19 Grant Department for consulting services purportedly provided to the city's Health Department that were not performed.
From February 2021 through September 2021, the City of West Haven paid Compass Investment Group a total of $636,783.70, according to federal officials. Bernardo received a portion of these funds.
Bernardo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, an offense which carries a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.
He was arrested on Nov. 4, 2021, and was released on $250,000, pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled at this time.
Related
Related
