NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. (WWLP) - A businessman from North Andover was sentenced on Wednesday afternoon in federal court for misappropriating of COVID-19 relief funds meant for his business, instead using them for personal use. Jesse Lelievre, 42, pleaded guilty to theft of government property in September 2024 after being charged in July 2024. Lelievre owned and managed a Massachusetts company called Paramount Plumbing and Heating, LLC, and he applied for a loan for the company from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in 2021. Former Quincy official arrested in connection with embezzling funds from city The loan was obtained through the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, aiding small businesses that suffered economically from the COVID-19 pandemic. When entering the loan agreement, Lelievre agreed to use all loan proceeds solely as working capital for his business. However, the funds were then directed into a personal bank account where Lelievre misappropriated approximately $179,000 for personal use. Personal expenses used with the pandemic relief funds included home remodeling and a diamond ring. Lelievre was sentenced to two years of supervised release, with the first five months served as home detention. Additionally, he was ordered to pay $179,090 in restitution. Local News Headlines Northampton considers fossil fuel ban for new buildings AIC nears ‘Hispanic Serving Institution’ status Experts warn of dangers skating on frozen ponds Shelter arrest raises concerns statewide WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.