(Nevada Dept. of Justice) - A former County Commissioner from Nye County was indicted in Las Vegas for allegedly applying for fraudulent COVID-19 relief funds on behalf of his restaurant in Pahrump.
Leonardo F. Blundo, owner and operator of Carmelo’s Bistro in Pahrump, Nevada, allegedly submitted false PPP, EIDL, and RRF applications from March 31, 2020, to September 6, 2021. He inflated the restaurant’s gross revenue, average monthly payroll, and employee count, providing false documentation to support these claims. Blundo received over $500,000 in PPP loans, EIDLs, and an RRF grant.
Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto of the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office stated, “Fraud is unacceptable in our community, regardless of the involved party’s position or identity. It erodes public trust and undermines essential institutions. The FBI is committed to protecting public institutions and ensuring no one is above the law.”
A federal grand jury charged Blundo with five counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. His initial appearance is scheduled for March 24, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts.
Conviction carries a maximum penalty of 120 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $1,750,000 fine, and a $700 special assessment.