TRENTON, N.J. – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 78 months in prison for his role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $4.8 million in federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for himself and others, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Darryl Duanne Young, aka “Darryl Duanne Isom Young,” 61, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton federal court on Nov. 14, 2023, to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of money laundering. U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
“This defendant admitted taking advantage of government programs that were specifically designed to provide needed financial assistance to Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “Combatting pandemic fraud in all of its forms is a top priority for this office and our law enforcement partners. Together, we will continue to root out those who have exploited the suffering of others to line their own pockets, and bring them to justice.”
“COVID-19 relief funds were meant to assist honest, hardworking Americans during an unprecedented time of hardship in our country, not to aid those trying to enrich their lives through deception,” Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, said. “Mr. Young’s sentence today reinforces that individuals who defraud our federal programs will be held accountable.”
“This sentencing should serve as a resounding message to anyone who wants to utilize the US Mail to defraud the American taxpayer. Postal Inspectors will continue to aggressively work with our partners in law enforcement and the US Attorney’s Office to hold these types of fraudsters accountable,” stated Christopher A. Nielsen, Inspector in Charge of the Philadelphia Division.
“Mr. Young and his fellow conspirators committed crimes and selfishly profited from the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans; Mr. Young exploited Federal assistance programs intended to help those in need during a national crisis. This sentence now holds him accountable for his criminal acts,” said Michelle L. Anderson, Acting Inspector General for the SSA. “I thank our law enforcement partners for working to pursue perpetrators who fraudulently profit from Federal benefit programs. I appreciate the collaboration among the investigating agencies and the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case.”
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