(PUEBLO, Colo.) — The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announced a 67-year-old man has been sentenced to years in prison and ordered to pay over half a million dollars after being found guilty of crimes related to COVID-19 relief fraud.

The Attorney’s Office said between April 2020 and April 2021, Charles Lacona formally of Colorado Springs devised and participated in a scheme to defraud a lender of $513,732.50 in Paycheck Protection Program loans. Lacona inflated payroll costs and gross receipts, made false statements and certifications, and submitted fabricated tax documents and payroll reports.

According to facts presented during the trial, Lacona also unsuccessfully applied for additional emergency government assistance through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Lacona alleged to have used some of the fraudulently obtained funds to buy a Cadillac CT6 for $67,704.13.

Lacona was sentenced to two years in federal prison and ordered to pay $549,2743.14 in restitution after being found guilty of two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.

“Theft of taxpayer dollars will not be tolerated,” said Acting United States Attorney J. Bishop Grewell. “This sentence sends a message that people who defrauded the United States Government will be held accountable for their actions.”

“IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to holding accountable those who exploited the COVID-19 pandemic relief programs,” said Amanda Prestegard, Special Agent In Charge, Denver Field Office. “Investigating those who defrauded programs meant for hard-working Americans will remain a top priority for our agency.”