Former Nye County Commissioner Charged in COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme

Leo Blundo accused of applying for over $500,000 in fraudulent funds for his Pahrump restaurant

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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A former Nye County commissioner has been indicted on federal wire fraud and money laundering charges for allegedly applying for fraudulent COVID-19 relief funds for his Pahrump restaurant, Carmelo's Bistro. Prosecutors say Blundo provided false documents and inflated his restaurant's revenue, payroll, and number of employees when submitting applications for federal initiatives like the Paycheck Protection Program and Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to crack down on COVID-19 relief fraud, which has been a major problem across the country. As a former public official, Blundo's alleged actions could further erode public trust in government programs and institutions relied upon by small businesses during the pandemic.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Blundo received over $500,000 through the fraudulent applications. Prosecutors allege he provided false documents and inflated his restaurant's financial information when applying for federal COVID-19 relief funds like the Paycheck Protection Program and Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

  • Blundo was indicted on the federal charges on March 11, 2026.
  • His arraignment is scheduled for March 24, 2026.

The players

Leo Blundo

A former Nye County commissioner accused of applying for fraudulent COVID-19 relief funds for his Pahrump restaurant, Carmelo's Bistro.

Carmelo's Bistro

Blundo's restaurant in Pahrump, Nevada that was the subject of the alleged COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.

U.S. Attorney's Office

The federal prosecutors who indicted Blundo on wire fraud and money laundering charges.

FBI Las Vegas

The FBI office that investigated the alleged fraud and announced the indictment.

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What they’re saying

“Fraud will not be tolerated in our community — regardless of the position or identity of those involved. Fraud erodes public trust and undermines the institutions our communities rely on every day.”

— Christopher Delzotto, FBI Las Vegas Special Agent in Charge (U.S. Attorney's Office press release)

What’s next

Blundo's arraignment on the federal charges is scheduled for March 24, 2026, where a judge will decide on bail and the next steps in the legal process.

The takeaway

This case underscores the federal government's ongoing crackdown on COVID-19 relief fraud, which has been a major problem across the country. As a former public official, Blundo's alleged actions could further erode public trust in government programs relied upon by small businesses during the pandemic.