Federal prosecutors say eight Brooklyn men took part in a year long scheme that defrauded the unemployment system of about $2 million. The charges are allegations, and the men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
According to a Department of Justice press release, Bryan (18), Carlos (20), Angel (18), Armani (24), Johan (19), Gianni (19), Andre (25) and Seth (18) were charged with conspiracy to commit access device fraud. Prosecutors allege the group filed unemployment claims using the stolen identities of hundreds of people to collect $600 weekly payments.
Prosecutors say the money was deposited into the defendants’ bank accounts, mailed as checks to their homes, or loaded onto debit cards issued in victims’ names.
The New York Daily News reported that six of the eight were arrested on Saturday and released on $75,000 bond, while Johan and Armani had not been arrested as of Tuesday afternoon.
Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Lesko of the Eastern District of New York said his office would pursue anyone who takes public funds meant to ease hardship for others. Baller Alert did not find statements from the defendants responding to the charges.
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