Albany man gets prison time for stealing nearly $1 million from farm loan program

An Albany man was sentenced Thursday to 18 months in prison for stealing nearly $1 million from a program to help farmers.

Asjid Parvez, 38, previously pleaded guilty to misusing money intended to help farmers behind on federally guaranteed farm loans.

Parvez previously defaulted on a loan to buy a Maryland chicken farm in 2014, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Parvez took a check for $972,564.61 and spent in on personal expenses and real estate investments, instead of paying the farm loan money back, prosecutors said.

He also must pay restitution and serve three years of post-release supervision.