A former Connecticut state representative has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for stealing more than $1.2 million of federal Covid relief funds from the city of West Haven.
Michael DiMassa, Connecticut. Covid relief
Michael DiMassa, left, addresses the press after his sentencing on Wednesday.
Michael DiMassa pleaded guilty in November 2022 to wire fraud and conspiracy charges in relation to the embezzlement.
The 32-year-old disgraced politician was in charge of the city’s COVID-19 Grant Department and had the power to cut checks without oversight. With three co-conspirators, he formed shell companies that billed the city for nonexistent services.
The corrupt official blew thousands of dollars at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn. His lawyer, John Gulash, told the court DiMassa had a gambling problem and compared him to Adam Sandler’s character in the movie “Uncut Gems,” whose addiction sparked a “precipitous downward spiral.”
Michael DiMassa, Connecticut. Covid relief
Michael DiMassa, left, addresses the press after his sentencing on Wednesday.
Michael DiMassa pleaded guilty in November 2022 to wire fraud and conspiracy charges in relation to the embezzlement.
The 32-year-old disgraced politician was in charge of the city’s COVID-19 Grant Department and had the power to cut checks without oversight. With three co-conspirators, he formed shell companies that billed the city for nonexistent services.
The corrupt official blew thousands of dollars at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn. His lawyer, John Gulash, told the court DiMassa had a gambling problem and compared him to Adam Sandler’s character in the movie “Uncut Gems,” whose addiction sparked a “precipitous downward spiral.”