The owner of an auto shop in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court for conspiring to commit mail and bank fraud. The accused, Joshua DeWitt of Red Carpet Auto Sales, was alleged to have aided individuals in fraudulently obtaining government assistance funds in order to buy cars from his shop. Alongside employee Terry Newmeyer, DeWitt accepted the fraudulently obtained pandemic benefits as payment for cars and services, furthering the business’ gains. The Department of Justice reported that the scheme garnered $311,301 in Pennsylvania Pandemic Unemployment Assistance funds and $32,300 from the Paycheck Protection Program. DeWitt received a sentence of 10 months in jail, two years of supervised release, and must pay restitution totalling $60,022.50. Newmeyer’s sentencing is scheduled for March 5.

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