Georgia man convicted for COVID-19 unemployment fraud
Share this @internewscast.com

A federal jury in Albany, Georgia, has found Malcolm Jeffrey, a 34-year-old resident of Cordele, guilty of fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in benefits from the Georgia Department of Labor (GaDOL). These benefits were intended to help those unemployed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Matthew R. Galeotti, the Acting Assistant Attorney General from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, stated that schemes like this one are unfortunately frequent. The Criminal Division is committed to ensuring those responsible face justice. “The defendant, along with his accomplices, organized a plan using stolen identities to file fake unemployment claims, thus diverting millions meant for genuinely unemployed Americans.”

Jonathan Ulrich, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPIS-OIG), emphasized their commitment to addressing the misuse of federal relief programs. “Our investigators, in collaboration with law enforcement partners, are dedicated to relentlessly pursuing those who exploit programs meant to support legitimate recipients during the pandemic,” he asserted.

Evidence revealed in court indicated that Jeffrey and his accomplices were behind about 7,000 fraudulent claims with GaDOL, leading to the theft of over $16 million in benefits.

To carry out their scheme, Jeffrey and his associates fabricated lists of supposed employees by using personal data from numerous identity theft victims to file fake UI claims on the GaDOL website, linked to Jeffrey’s inactive business. Jeffrey’s establishment of an account on GaDOL’s platform enabled him to file these fictitious claims, resulting in over $16 million in improper payments being made. The fraudulently obtained funds were funneled to Jeffrey and his accomplices via prepaid debit cards sent to addresses near Cordele.

The jury found Jeffrey guilty of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. He now faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The date for sentencing will be set later, as a federal district court judge will review the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and consider other legal factors before deciding on the final sentence.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Prosecutors Unveil Shocking Details: Alicia Andrews Accused in Orchestrating Deadly Attack on Rapper Julio Foolio in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Alicia Andrews, a 22-year-old, played a significant role…

Columbia County Arrest Sparks Urgent Action Against Human Sex Trafficking in the CSRA

AUGUSTA, Ga. – An Augusta woman finds herself behind bars following serious…

Shocking Incident: Blind Man Forcefully Escorted by Federal Agents into Oregon ICE Facility

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Newly released videos capture a disturbing scene where a…

Oregon School Incident: Students Accidentally Served Pretzels Contaminated with Oven Cleaner

In an unsettling incident at Fowler Middle School in Tigard, a suburb…

United Way Appoints Dynamic New Leader to Propel Growth in Liberty and Long County

A tide of transformation is sweeping through Liberty and Long Counties as…

Texas Parents Allegedly Abandon Child During Move

In Copperas Cove, Texas, a 12-year-old boy returned from school to a…

Empowering Women in Business: Augusta Metro Chamber’s 2025 Signature Event Unveils New Opportunities

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The Augusta Metro Chamber’s Women in Business Program…

Join the Celebration: Ballad Health’s Community Baby Shower Lights Up Greeneville Hospital!

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Ballad Health held one of its regular Community…

Beaufort Launches Major $6.9 Million Stormwater Initiative to Protect Waterfront

The city of Beaufort, South Carolina, has commenced construction work along the…

Join the Fun: Gate City Church Hosts Exciting Fall Festival for Everyone!

This Sunday, the Maranatha Baptist Temple in Gate City, Virginia, is transforming…

Yoders Country Market Implements Rounding Policy to Nearest Nickel

BULLS GAP, Tenn. (WJHL) — Shoppers using cash at Yoders Country Market…

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Snub Finalized: NFL Confirms No Reconsideration

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL remains steadfast in its decision to…