PLYMOUTH MA — The Plymouth Independent is reporting that a Plymouth businessman has been convicted by a federal jury in connection with a COVID-19 relief loan fraud scheme.
According to the report, Joseph Kerrissey, 49, was found guilty on three counts of wire fraud after prosecutors said he submitted false information to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the pandemic.
Federal authorities alleged that Kerrissey applied for PPP loans through several businesses he controlled and falsely stated that he had not been convicted of a fraud-related felony within the previous five years and was not on probation. Prosecutors said he was actually serving probation at the time stemming from previous fraud-related convictions.
Investigators said the loan applications contained inaccurate information about payroll expenses, business income, and tax records. The government alleged that more than $43,000 in COVID relief funds was obtained through the fraudulent applications.
The Plymouth Independent reported that Kerrissey previously pleaded guilty in 2018 to numerous charges, including larceny and wage violations, and was ordered to pay restitution while serving a term of probation.
The conviction was handed down on June 18 in federal court in Boston after a jury trial. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 16.
Kerrissey’s attorney has said an appeal is expected.
The case is one of several federal prosecutions involving alleged misuse of pandemic relief funds that were created to help businesses stay afloat during the COVID-19 emergency.
Source: Plymouth Independe
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