1 sentenced for defrauding COVID rental relief funds

Corinne Moore
·1 min read

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) — One person was sentenced for defrauding the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance program, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority said.

A judge has sentenced Aaron Pulsifer to a minimum of seven years and a maximum of 30 years in prison and has been ordered to pay $124,050 back to MSHDA.

A report of fraud led to MSHDA and police investigating Pulsifer. They found that he had conspired with others to submit multiple fraudulent assistance applications.

“This program provided peace of mind to renters and landlords at a time when they needed it most,” Amy Hovey, CEO and executive director of MSHDA, said in a release. “We continue to work hard with state and local law enforcement partners to preserve the integrity of our programs, pursue all allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse, and recover any program funds obtained illegally.”

Anyone who suspects fraud, waste or abuse of any MSHDA program is asked to call 517.335.9953 or file a complaint using the online MSHDA fraud complaint form.

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