Shannon Reynolds, Pandemic Unemployment Benefits Fraud, Pennsylvani…

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams dropped a bombshell, announcing that eight Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) employees are in hot water for swindling Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) funds. These employees were simultaneously on the payroll and pocketing PUA money meant for those out of work during the pandemic.

The indicted include Shannon Reynolds, 25; Najah Harrell, 32; Korey Kinard, 29; Keely Maude, 23; Tashika White, 50; Paulette Johnson, 55; Monica Pelzer, 45; and Yarelis Feliciano, 28. All but one of these workers were dispatchers for the PPD, while Johnson was a clerk.

The alleged fraud? The defendants supposedly certified they were not working and ready to work daily – all while earning their city paychecks. According to PPD payroll records, their weekly certifications of no earnings were a lie. Each defendant fraudulently received PUA funds for weeks when they were on the job.

“These funds are supposed to support Americans genuinely affected by the pandemic,” U.S. Attorney Williams stated. “The defendants’ actions defraud not only those struggling but also every taxpayer who supported this vital program.”

Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, added, “It’s unacceptable for those with steady paychecks to claim unemployment benefits. The FBI will continue to pursue those who defraud the government and taxpayers.”

This investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Labor.