A former Nye County commissioner was indicted Wednesday on federal wire fraud and money laundering charges.
Leo Blundo is accused of applying for fraudulent COVID-19 relief funds for his restaurant in Pahrump, Carmelo’s Bistro.
Blundo received over $500,000 through federal initiatives including the Paycheck Protection Program and Restaurant Revitalization Fund, according to a news release from the U.S. attorney’s office.
When submitting applications, he provided false documents and inflated his restaurant’s revenue, payroll and number of employees, prosecutors alleged.
“Fraud will not be tolerated in our community — regardless of the position or identity of those involved,” FBI Las Vegas Special Agent in Charge Christopher Delzotto said in the release. “Fraud erodes public trust and undermines the institutions our communities rely on every day.”
Blundo’s arraignment is scheduled for Mar. 24.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contact Noble Brigham at nbrigham@reviewjournal.com.
