“Salvador Almonte Jr. put workers’ lives at risk by lying to insurance companies and the State of New York. Instead of receiving the medical insurance and disability pay they deserved, his employees were left exposed and vulnerable because of his criminal conduct,” said District Attorney Bragg. “We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure the strongest protections for hard-working New Yorkers who put their safety at risk to keep this city moving.”

“While New York businesses were in dire need of financial support during the pandemic, William and Thomas Felcon defrauded the system and obtained loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration by lying on their applications,” said District Attorney Bragg. “We will not allow public programs to be raided and used as a personal piggybank for greedy individuals and companies.”

“These alleged lies are not just numbers on paper – they hurt the financial wellbeing of hardworking construction workers. These companies saved millions in premiums at the expense of their employees and left New York taxpayers on the hook for the bill,” said District Attorney Bragg. “The New York State Insurance Fund provides critical insurance coverage to injured workers, who should be afforded every protection while working dangerous construction jobs.”

“At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Anthony Burges preyed on business owners by falsely promising to help them manage costs or reduce their payments on existing debt,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Small businesses from across New York City and the country were forced to close, reduce capacity, or declare bankruptcy as a result of this heartless scheme. My Office will continue to root out fraud in all its forms, which unfortunately spread due to the financial pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, including PPP and unemployment scams.”