PAHRUMP (KTNV) — Former Nye County Commissioner Leonardo F. Blundo is being indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly applying for fraudulent COVID-19 relief funds on behalf of his restaurant in Pahrump, according to a news release by the U.S. Department of Justice.
According to the DOJ, he received more than $500,000 through the U.S. Small Business Administration through the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.
“Fraud will not be tolerated in our community—regardless of the position or identity of those involved,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office. “Fraud erodes public trust and undermines the institutions our communities rely on every day. The FBI remains committed to protecting the integrity of our public institutions and ensuring that no one is above the law.”
According to the allegations within the court documents, Blundo was the owner and operator of Carmelo's Bistro in Pahrump. The documents allege that from March 31, 2020, to about Sept 6, 2021, Blundo submitted false PPP, EIDL, and RRF applications where he allegedly inflated the restaurant's gross revenue, its average monthly payroll and the number of employees when completing the applications.
As a result, he got two PPP loans, two EIDLs, and an RRF grant totaling more than $500,000.
A federal grand jury charged Blundo with five counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering.
If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 120 years of prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $1.75 million fine and a $700 special assessment.
His initial appearance in court is scheduled for March 24, 2026.
-
Former Mesquite police chief facing criminal charges
Former Mesquite police chief Joseph MaQuade Chesley is facing criminal charges for allegedly improperly recording at Henderson City Hall.
Suspect in fatal Smith's shooting enters not guilty plea, held without bail
The man accused of walking into a south valley grocery store and killing his ex and her new husband made his first court appearance facing those charges Monday morning.
COURT HEARING: Suspect in fatal Smith's shooting enters not guilty plea, held without bail
In court Monday morning, Judge Amy Wilson said that Estrada created extreme danger not only to the victims but to the public with his actions.
Suspect in fatal Smith's shooting enters not guilty plea, held without bail
Alejandro Estrada is facing multiple charges, including open murder with a deadly weapon, eight counts of discharging a gun within a structure and aggravated stalking.
