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Bristol Woman Sentenced 24 Months for Pandemic Unemployment Scheme
A Bristol, Tennessee woman has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for her role in a massive pandemic unemployment benefits scheme. Melissa Hayes, 51, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit unemployment fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
According to court documents, Hayes conspired with others to commit fraud against the United States in connection with a scheme involving the filing of fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment benefits. Members of the conspiracy, including Hayes, worked together to collect personal identification information of more than 35 co-conspirators, including 15 inmates in the custody of the Virginia Department of Corrections, and to file fraudulent claims of pandemic-related unemployment benefits.
Over the course of nine months, Hayes, and others, filed fraudulent claims for at least 37 individuals, with a total actual loss to the United States of at least $499,000. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Norton Police Department, and Russell County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Daniel J. Murphy prosecuted the case, and Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar of the Western District of Virginia made the announcement. The Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force in May 2021 to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud.
The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.
The pandemic unemployment benefits scheme is just one of the many cases of COVID-19 related fraud that have been uncovered in recent years. As the nation continues to recover from the pandemic, it is essential to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Hayes will begin serving her sentence immediately. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of committing fraud and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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