April Rienstra, Unemployment Benefits Fraud, Michigan 2022

A Center Line woman has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for stealing over $300,000 as part of a wire fraud scheme targeting pandemic unemployment assistance benefits.

April Rienstra, 52, was sentenced by United States District Judge Bernard A. Friedman following her November 2022 guilty plea to one count of wire fraud arising from a scheme to defraud the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (MUIA).

According to court documents, between April 2020 and May 2021, Rienstra defrauded the MUIA by submitting false applications for pandemic unemployment benefits on behalf of herself and others, who paid her a fee. Her scheme involved dozens of fraudulent claims and resulted in over $300,000 in losses to the MUIA.

In addition to the 18 months of imprisonment, Rienstra was ordered to pay $318,760 in restitution. The scheme was uncovered by a joint investigation by the FBI and the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

“Enhanced assistance for unemployed workers was a key lifeline for many of our district’s citizens during the pandemic. Unfortunately, those enhanced benefits attracted criminals seeking to exploit the system and enrich themselves at the public’s expense,” said United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. “Our office will remain vigilant in our pursuit of those who cheat the government and their fellow citizens.”

“Ms. Rienstra defrauded a system designed to provide much-needed support to individuals who were unemployed because of the pandemic,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Her actions potentially prevented those who legitimately needed financial support during difficult times from receiving vital assistance.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alyse Wu. The investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI and the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

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