PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A Phoenix man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for stealing millions in COVID-19 relief funds meant for small businesses and spending the money for his own personal use.
Between May 2020 and March 2024, Mohammed Maio conspired to fraudulently obtain and misuse relief funds intended to help small businesses stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
By submitting false information, Maio was granted nearly $2.2 million in loans for multiple businesses without any employees. He then used the relief funds for “personal enrichment,” including buying multiple properties, the attorney’s office said…