Senior NASA Official Sentenced For Fraudulent COVID Relief Loans

LEESBURG, VA — A former NASA official was sentenced in federal court on Thursday, July 15 after he pleaded guilty to bank fraud. Officials said the man, Andrew Tezna of Leesburg, fraudulently applied for more than $350,000 in COVID relief funds and benefits that were meant for small businesses.

In total, Tezna was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. He is also required to pay $285,449.11 in restitution and forfeiture.

Department of Justice officials claimed that Tezna obtained more than $285,000 in relief funds, primarily through the Paycheck Protection Program, which was designed to help businesses pay employees and cover basic expenses throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The businesses detailed in Tezna's Paycheck Protection Program applications did not exist, according to court documents.

Raj Parekh is the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA)."While serving in a high-ranking position at NASA, this defendant used the identities of others to carry out a brazen scheme in which he exploited taxpayer-funded programs during the global pandemic for his own personal benefit," Parekh said. "This case serves as another example of EDVA’s commitment to pursuing justice against those who attempt to take advantage of essential programs that are intended for deserving community members."

In a news release, officials said Tezna used the fraudulent funds on a personal loan for a residential pool, a personal loan for a minivan, personal credit card debt, and a down payment on a new car. Tezna also used the funds to pay a dog breeder, according to court documents.

Read more: NASA Executive Pleads Guilty To $285K In PPP Loan Fraud

"COVID-19 relief programs are not meant to be used for paying off personal indulgences," said Darrell Waldon, a special agent with the IRS. "Tezna, despite having an executive position, stole funds from the government meant to aid struggling businesses during the pandemic. Today, the penalties of his actions were realized."