East Hanover Couple Pleads Guilty To Superstorm Sandy Fraud

EAST HANOVER, NJ — An East Hanover couple has pleaded guilty to filing fake applications for federal relief funds following Superstorm Sandy, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said.

Carmine Fusco, 50, and Lauri Fusco, 50, each pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree theft by deception, Grewal said. The couple admitted to lying about primarily living in their Point Pleasant home in order to get over $152,000 in federal relief.

Under the plea agreement, Carmine Fusco is expected to be sentenced to 180 days in county jail and probation, and Lauri Fusco is expected to face probation. They must also pay full restitution.

"We have charged over 125 defendants and recovered more than $4 million through our collaborative efforts to investigate and prosecute thefts of federal relief funds after Superstorm Sandy," said Grewal. "These prosecutions send a clear message that we will not tolerate those who selfishly divert relief funds intended for those whose primary homes were destroyed or damaged."

Most of the fraud causes are "primary residence fraud," Grewal said, where a homeowner lies about their main residence to qualify for federal relief funds. $8 million in funds were fraudulently acquired.

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