COVID-19 fraud on Long Island: See who's been accused of stealing jobless benefits and how much was taken
The New York state Department of Labor offices in Brooklyn. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo/NurPhoto SRL
At least 16 people who live or work on Long Island have been accused of defrauding federal and state unemployment insurance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Newsday analysis of federal court cases and state administrative decisions.
Among the defendants, three have been sentenced, five have pleaded guilty and will likely be sentenced next year, and five have pleaded not guilty and await trial in federal courts in Central Islip, Manhattan and Albany.
Another three defendants went through the state Department of Labor's Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board, where the initial finding of wrongdoing and order of repayment by an administrative law judge was upheld.
Nearly $345,000, or an average $26,450 per person, was stolen in 2020-22 from the programs, which include regular unemployment insurance and three pandemic enhancements, the analysis shows.
Here’s a list of the individuals who been accused, the charges and status of their cases.
James T. Madore writes about Long Island business news including the economy, development, and the relationship between government and business. He previously served as Albany bureau chief.
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