SPARTA TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — A Sparta Township man has been convicted by a federal jury for fraudulently obtaining more than $2.1 million in COVID-19 relief funds through the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Nikenson Jean Mathurin, 46, also known as “Nik Mathurin” and “Jean Mathurin,” was found guilty on May 21 of three counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court.
Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 6.
According to federal prosecutors, Mathurin submitted 15 fraudulent applications for PPP and EIDL funding beginning in April 2020, claiming ownership of businesses and providing false payroll records, fabricated tax documents and inaccurate information about revenue and employee counts.
Authorities said the scheme resulted in Mathurin unlawfully receiving more than $2.1 million in federal pandemic relief funds intended to help struggling businesses during the COVID-19 emergency.
“Pandemic relief programs were created to help struggling businesses keep workers employed and survive a national emergency—not to serve as a personal payday for fraudsters. The evidence at trial showed that Mathurin submitted fraudulent loan applications packed with fake payroll records, false tax documents, and fabricated business information to obtain more than $2.1 million in federal relief funds. This Office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who stole taxpayer-funded emergency assistance for personal gain,” Frazer said.
IRS Criminal Investigation officials said the conviction demonstrates law enforcement’s continued focus on pandemic fraud cases.
“Individuals who exploit pandemic relief programs undermine the integrity of our financial system and divert vital resources intended to support Americans in times of crisis. Through deception and fraud, Mathurin stole more than $2 million from the very businesses these programs were created to help,” said Jenifer L. Piovesan, special agent in charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Newark Field Office. “This verdict underscores IRS-CI’s commitment to protecting taxpayer funds and holding those who abuse these programs accountable.”
Each wire fraud conviction carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, while the money laundering conviction carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Each charge also carries a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss associated with the offense, whichever is greater.
