Fugitive California couple convicted in $18 million COVID loan fraud scheme sentenced to federal prison in absentia

A Los Angeles couple who were convicted of trying to steal $20 million in COVID-19 relief funds were sentenced to years in federal prison, although they remain fugitives. CBS Los Angeles reports Richard Ayvazyan, 43, and his wife and co-defendant, 37-year-old Marietta Terabelian, remain at large after the FBI says they removed their electronic tracking bracelets in August. 

Ayvazyan was sentenced Monday in absentia to 17 years and his wife got six years, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney's office.

Ayvazyan's brother, Artur Ayvazyan, 41, was sentenced to five years.