⏱ 2 min read
Lakeia Simone Grant, a 40-year-old Newport News woman, was involved in a COVID era unemployment insurance fraud scheme that stole over $480,000 from the Virginia Employment Commission. From May 2020 to October 2021, Grant used the personal identifying information of prison inmates and others to file fraudulent claims for UI benefits, falsely claiming they were ready and able to work but lost their jobs due to COVID-19. Grant filed approximately 38 successful UI claims in the names of inmates, resulting in payments totaling over $546,000.
Grant conspired with inmate recruiters to obtain the personally identifying information of inmates to file such claims. She also filed fraudulent UI claims for non-inmates either by using stolen personally identifying information or in exchange for a percentage of money obtained by the applicants. Grant’s scheme resulted in an actual loss to the Virginia Employment Commission of approximately $480,392.76.
Grant, a five-time convicted felon, was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. Her previous convictions include obstruction of justice and petit larceny. The sentence reflects the severity of Grant’s crimes, which exploited the expanded unemployment eligibility during the COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain.
The case highlights the need for vigilance in preventing and detecting unemployment insurance fraud, particularly during times of crisis when benefits are expanded. The Virginia Employment Commission and law enforcement agencies worked together to investigate and prosecute Grant’s scheme, ensuring that those who commit such crimes are held accountable.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Virginia
- Location: VA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News