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A Woodstock man, Denesh Melwani, and his brother, Shaleen Mahtani, from Paramus, New Jersey, have been indicted for allegedly stealing $90,000 from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Officials announced that the two men filed an application containing false information with the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to fraudulently obtain funds. They have been charged with offering a false instrument for filing, grand larceny, and money laundering.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program was established during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide financial relief to medium and low-income households at risk of homelessness. The program allowed landlords or tenants to apply for funds to cover unpaid back rent and future rent payments. Payments were made directly to landlords if the tenant met the criteria.
According to Mid Hudson News, the indictment highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring that emergency relief funds are used appropriately. The case against Melwani and Mahtani underscores the importance of vigilant oversight in administering such programs.