Chester Man Slammed with 18-Month Lockup for Pandemic Fraud

PHILADELPHIA – The federal hammer has fallen on Jacob Fulton, 33, of Coatesville, PA. The man was sentenced to a staggering one year and six months behind bars for swindling $32,000 from the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, a scheme that bilked funds meant for those hit hard by COVID-19.

On March 27, 2020, as the pandemic raged on, the CARES Act established the PUA to aid workers who had lost their jobs. Fulton exploited this lifeline, not for the struggling families it was intended for, but for his own gain. He and an accomplice filed fraudulent claims on behalf of himself and inmates at Chester County Prison, all while they were locked up.

Fulton’s deceitful game began in May 2020 when he falsely claimed unemployment benefits despite being gainfully employed. After his arrest and imprisonment in July 2020, he didn’t let that stop him; he continued to file claims, knowing full well he was no longer eligible due to his incarceration. And it wasn’t just Fulton who reaped the benefits of this fraud. He also conspired with a co-defendant to claim benefits for inmates, taking a cut for himself.

“Pandemic Unemployment Assistance funds are meant to keep American families afloat during tough times,” said U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams. “Fulton’s actions were despicable, robbing not only the intended recipients but also every taxpayer who funded this critical program.”

Jacqueline Maguire of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the FBI’s commitment to safeguarding taxpayers’ dollars and ensuring justice is served for those who abuse public assistance programs.

The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General also commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement partners in bringing Fulton to justice, underscoring the importance of protecting these vital funds.

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