A Brooklyn woman was sentenced on Tuesday for fraudulently obtaining more than $69,000 in COVID-19 small business recovery grants by filing falsified records, according to prosecutors.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang, said Suzanne Gilad, 54, of Prospect Heights, pleaded guilty to second-degree falsifying business records. She was ordered to complete 210 hours of community service, proof of which she provided to the court on Tuesday. The defendant previously reimbursed the state for the funds.
Between December 2021 and January 2022, the defendant submitted multiple fraudulent applications for grants offered by the New York State Empire State Development to assist businesses that experienced financial losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the evidence.
The defendant submitted falsified copies of federal business income tax returns on behalf of three companies she controlled: In Fine Company LLC, Custom Broadway LLC and All the Josh Cohens LLC. As a result of the fraudulent applications, the defendant received approximately $69,099 in grant funds, which she then transferred into her personal bank accounts, the DA said.
“This defendant took advantage of a public health crisis by falsifying records to secure government aid that was meant to keep struggling small businesses afloat," Gonzalez said in a statement. "My office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who attempt to enrich themselves through fraud at the expense of programs designed to protect New Yorkers.”
Inspector General Lang said abuse of scarce state resources "is a crime against both government and New Yorkers in need."
