Ex-Pleasanton resident guilty of stealing COVID-19 relief funds – East Bay Times

A former Pleasanton resident pleaded guilty Thursday to stealing relief funds designed to to help medical providers treat patients suffering from COVID-19, authorities said.

Javed Wahab, 53, admitted to theft of government property, resulting from his intentional misuse of funds distributed from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Provider Relief Fund, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Stephanie Hinds.

According to court documents, Wahab admitted he owned Premier Home Health Care & Hospice, Inc., Carelink Hospice Services, Inc., and JW Healthcare, Inc. Each of those companies provided home health and hospice care in Alameda County and elsewhere, authorities said.

Together the three businesses received approximately $285,000 designated for the medical treatment and care of COVID-19 patients and to compensate medical providers for the cost of care. Wahab stole approximately $186,500 of it, authorities said.

A federal grand jury indicted Wahab in September for five counts of theft of government property. He pleaded guilty to one count, authorities said. The remaining counts are expected to be dismissed at his sentencing if Wahab complies with the agreement, authorities said.

Wahab is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 25. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison.