Long Island Business Owner Accused Of Scamming FEMA, IRS
BETHPAGE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Long Island business owner faced a judge Wednesday, accused of scamming the government and taxpayers.
Harendra Singh could face life behind bars after federal prosecutors said he scammed FEMA, the IRS and taxpayers, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.
Singh is accused of receiving $950,000 in Sandy relief funds after authorities said he claimed his restaurant was nearly destroyed. But according to prosecutor's, that's not true.
He is also accused of under reporting his income by $10 million to cheat the IRS and bribing a Town of Oyster Bay employee, Hall reported.
Singh allegedly paid for the worker's BMW lease in order to get tens of millions of dollars in loan guarantees from the town.
In court, Singh's attorney pleaded not guilty.
The judge allowed Singh to put $7 million worth of properties up for his bail package. He must wear an electronic monitor and is under home detention.