Opinion ID: 204150
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Fraudulent Livestock Indemnity And Emergency Conservation Application Charges

Text: Counts 44, 53 and 58 charged Alfonzo with making false statements in connection with applications relating to the Livestock Indemnity and Emergency Conservation Programs in violation of §§ 2(a) and 1014. Counts 44 and 58 alleged that Alfonzo knowingly and willfully made false statements in connection with applications for Livestock Indemnity funds in the amount of $18,868, and for Emergency Conservation funds in the amount of $14,837, on behalf of Nelson Ramos-Irizarry (Ramos). Count 53 alleged that Alfonzo knowingly and willfully made false statements and overvalued land, property, and security to fraudulently obtain Emergency Conservation funds in the amount of $19,200 for Teodoro Alfonzo-Toledo (Toledo). Alfonzo argues that the government did not elicit any testimony concerning Alfonzo's direct participation in the submission of false information. We disagree. For Count 44, there is sufficient circumstantial evidence including: the close relationship between Alfonzo and Ramos; several meetings between Alfonzo and Ramos to discuss intentional inflation of losses in cattle; and Alfonzo's instructions to obtain a letter from a veterinarian certifying the number of perished cattle to receive additional FSA incentives. For Count 58, there is also sufficient circumstantial evidence that Alfonzo met with Toledo on several occasions to discuss expediting falsified loans under the FSA, and that they shared tips on how to increase amount of falsified damages on the loan applications. For Count 53, Toledo testified that he contributed a $1,000 donation to Alfonzo for expediting the loans. Toledo also testified that he personally attended the donation meeting to ensure that Alfonzo would help the cattlemen obtain FSA benefits. Accordingly, there is sufficient circumstantial evidence upon which the jury can infer Alfonzo's guilt for Counts 44, 53, and 58.