Vt. man sentenced for pandemic fraud, firearms

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A Burlington man was sentenced Tuesday to nearly four years in federal prison in a pandemic-related fraud scheme.

Authorities say Leon Delima, 35, had previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud and false statements in two cases — one involving a false application in 2021 for COVID relief funds, and another for his possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

According to court records, Delima devised a scheme to obtain $17,833 from the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. They say he then spent the money on consumer goods, life expenses, and other non-business items.

Then, in 2022, they say Delima — who had previously been convicted on drug charges — shot a stolen handgun as he walked along North Avenue in Burlington.

In addition to prison, Delima must pay over $20,000 in restitution to the SBA.