COVID-19 Fraud

⏱ 2 min read

Lamont Brown, a 37-year-old man from Dunkirk, New York, pleaded guilty to theft of government funds for his role in a COVID-19 unemployment scam. Brown recruited others to apply for unemployment assistance through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, despite them being ineligible. He obtained personally identifiable information and used it to get funds from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources, taking a cut of the money for himself. The scheme took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Brown receiving a check for $10,122 in July 2020.

The total loss to the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources was $67,524. Brown’s plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the US Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Brown’s sentencing is scheduled for August 5, 2026, before US District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. The case highlights the ongoing issue of COVID-19-related fraud, with individuals taking advantage of government programs meant to support those affected by the pandemic.

The investigation was handled by Assistant US Attorney Franz M. Wright, with US Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announcing the plea. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting government funds and holding those who commit fraud accountable.