Related Federal Cases
- Christopher Furman, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering, Pennsylvania 2009 · California
- Emily Wilson, Investment Adviser Fraud, Pennsylvania, 2023 · Georgia
- Marquis Williams Sentenced to Mail Theft, Hartford CT, 2023 · Puerto Rico
- Irina Segal, Medicare Fraud, Philadelphia PA, 2023 · California
- Nicole Hilstolsky Sentenced for Embezzlement, Pennsylvania, 2018 · Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Woman Sentenced for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Fraud
Amanda Fairfax, a 37-year-old former resident of Monessen, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release on her conviction of five counts of mail fraud.
On June 2020, Fairfax knowingly filed claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits on behalf of five individuals, all of which contained fraudulent statements. The U.S. Postal Service transported the resulting benefits to two addresses associated with Fairfax. In total, Fairfax fraudulently obtained $66,240.00 over the course of her scheme.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program, which provided unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits. Individuals are eligible for PUA if they were unemployed due to the pandemic and could accept a job if one were offered.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Fairfax. As part of the sentence imposed, the defendant was also ordered to pay a special assessment of $500 and restitution in the amount of $66,240.00.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung commended the United States Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General and the United States Secret Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Amanda Fairfax.
Defendant: Amanda Fairfax
Criminal Charges: Five counts of mail fraud
City and State: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Exact Date: June 2020
Sentence or Outcome: 18 months’ imprisonment, followed by a three-year term of supervised release
Amounts: $66,240.00 in restitution, $500 special assessment
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News