Christian Matthews, a 35-year-old Chicago resident, has been handed a 54-month prison sentence for his role in a brazen pandemic unemployment benefits scam. Matthews, who was sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh, will also face three years of supervised release and pay $20,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, Matthews used stolen personal identifying information to file fraudulent claims for pandemic-related unemployment benefits in states including Arizona, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. He purchased the stolen information through online marketplaces and created fictitious businesses to obtain mailing addresses from companies that rent shared office space.
Matthews then used the stolen identity information to file claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits, which were created to provide economic support to individuals who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The benefits were sent to multiple business locations, including an office building in Pittsburgh, where Matthews would retrieve and use the funds.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel prosecuted the case on behalf of the government, with support from the United States Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Findlay Township Police Department.
United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan commended the agencies involved in the investigation, which led to Matthews’ successful prosecution. “This case demonstrates the importance of continued vigilance against pandemic-related scams and the efforts of law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable,” Olshan said.
Matthews’ sentence serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit the pandemic for personal gain. As the country continues to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic, it’s essential that those who would seek to profit from others’ misfortune are brought to justice.
The case highlights the need for continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public to prevent and detect pandemic-related scams. By working together, we can ensure that those who would seek to exploit the system are held accountable and that the most vulnerable members of our community are protected.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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