Pennsylvania (WHP) – A New York man was sentenced to prison after spending nearly $ 900,000 intended to help nourish the Pennsylvanians in need to finance his “sumptuous lifestyle”, according to the Ministry of Justice.
Darrell Devonish, 53, was sentenced on May 8 to 41 months in prison for wire fraud and money laundering.
According to the United States prosecutor, John C. Gurganus, Devonish and his non-profit company, Rebuilding Better Communities, received $ 1,074,328.45 in the funds of the Pennsylvania Federal Food Program Department of Education.
Instead of using funds to provide food to the eligible Pennsylvanians, Devonish spent nearly $ 900,000 for personal purchases between February 2017 and August 2019.
On almost $ 900,000 poorly used, he spent more than $ 175,000 for jewelry purchases, more than $ 45,000 to buy and make payments on two vehicles, more than $ 75,000 in clothing and cosmetics, more than $ 12,000 on alcohol purchases, more than $ 100,000 in entertainment and travel, and more than $ 22,000 in cash.
“The food and adult food program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service (SFSP) program have been created to provide food and nutrition to those who really need this assistance. Those involved in fraud and abuse of USDA feed programs will be surveyed by our office to protect the integrity of these programs, “said USDA office of Inspector General, special agent Charmeka Parker in a press release.
In addition to his prison sentence, Devonish was ordered to pay $ 883,518.33 in return.