The owner of a New York adventure park on Long Island admitted Thursday that he fraudulently obtained more than $3 million in federal coronavirus aid and spent it on himself, including buying a home on the Massachusetts island of Nantucket.
Donald Finley pleaded guilty to disaster relief fraud and wire fraud during a federal court hearing in Central Islip. Finley’s plea agreement calls for him to pay more than $3.2 million in restitution and a fine of up to $1.25 million. He also faces up to 30 years in prison but is not expected to get the maximum.
Sentencing was scheduled for Nov. 8.
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Messages seeking comment were left for Finley’s lawyer, Christopher Ferguson, and at an email address and phone number listed for Finley Thursday evening.
“I am deeply remorseful for my conduct,” Finley said in court, according to a report by Newsday.
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Instead of spending the money on pandemic-related expenses, Finley diverted it for personal use, including the purchase of the Nantucket home in February 2021, prosecutors said.
