DETROIT, MI – A Detroit woman is facing federal charges after allegedly pilfering over $2 million in unemployment benefits intended for struggling Michiganders during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brandi Hawkins, 39, a contract employee with the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, is accused of using her position to approve fraudulent claims and funnel the funds for personal enrichment.
According to a criminal complaint unsealed today, Hawkins, tasked with verifying the legitimacy of unemployment claims, instead allegedly used her insider access to authorize payments on hundreds of bogus applications. The scheme, which began in April 2020, resulted in the fraudulent disbursement of more than $2,000,000 in federal and state funds. Federal investigators seized over $200,000 in cash from Hawkins’ residence during a search. It wasn’t going to bills; authorities claim the stolen money was used to purchase high-end handbags and other luxury items.
“Brandi Hawkins is charged with exploiting the current pandemic to defraud the State of Michigan and United States for her own personal gain,” stated U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider. “These are serious allegations, and my office is committed to prosecuting any person who attempts to use the Covid-19 crisis to defraud the people of Michigan.” The investigation was a multi-agency effort, involving the U.S. Secret Service, the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Douglas J. Zloto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Detroit Field Office, minced no words about the betrayal of public trust. “The U.S. Secret Service is currently focused on criminals attempting to exploit the American people during these unprecedented times of record unemployment due to the pandemic,” Zloto said. “It is especially egregious when someone in a position of trust, working for an agency created to assist the residents of the State of Michigan, takes advantage of those during their time of need. We will continue to work with our federal and state partners to bring these perpetrators to justice.”
Other officials echoed the sentiment. Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting unemployment insurance programs. Sarah Kull, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge, called Hawkins’ actions “incredibly selfish and without regard for her fellow Michiganders in dire need of financial assistance.” The investigation highlights a disturbing trend of individuals attempting to profit from the widespread economic hardship caused by the pandemic.
Richard Sheehan, Acting Postal Inspector in Charge of the Detroit Division, lauded the collaborative effort of the agencies involved. “This investigation was an excellent example of a partnership between federal law enforcement agencies, working together to bring down this fraud conspiracy,” he stated. Hawkins now faces the consequences of her alleged greed, with federal prosecutors vowing to pursue the case to the fullest extent of the law. The case serves as a stark reminder that those who prey on vulnerable citizens during times of crisis will be held accountable.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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