BATAVIA, NEW YORK – In a shocking turn of events, 37-year-old Danielle Tooley has pleaded guilty to COVID-19 relief fraud, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
According to sources, Tooley applied for and collected unemployment benefits to which she was not entitled, benefits that were connected to federal COVID-19 relief programs. The scheme came to the attention of law enforcement on November 24, 2020, when Tooley was arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance during a vehicle traffic stop on Clinton Street in Bergen, NY.
A New York State Police trooper observed a crack pipe with white residue inside Tooley’s vehicle. Tooley admitted at the time that she had crack cocaine in the center console of the vehicle. As they prepared for Tooley’s vehicle to be towed, troopers recovered six New York State unemployment benefit cards issued to individuals other than Tooley, which they turned over to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
Subsequent investigation determined that Tooley consistently withdrew money from bank accounts associated with the benefit cards. The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Labor Racketeering and Fraud, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone; the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Todd Allen; the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey Burr; the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Sharon B. MacDermott; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase.
The defendant’s next step will be sentencing, which is scheduled for August 17, 2022, at 3:30 p.m. before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. The investigation and subsequent arrest have been met with outrage from the community, with many calling for harsher punishments for those who take advantage of COVID-19 relief programs.
Danielle Tooley, a resident of Batavia, was charged with wire fraud, a federal offense that carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Tooley’s actions have put a strain on the already struggling economy, and her sentencing is expected to be closely watched by the community.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the nation, relief efforts have been put in place to support those affected. However, cases like Tooley’s highlight the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs.
In related news, the U.S. Department of Labor has increased its efforts to combat COVID-19 relief fraud, with a focus on identifying and prosecuting those who take advantage of these programs.
Related Federal Cases
- Todd Faustin, Workers’ Compensation Fraud, New York NY, 2023 · New York
- Kenneth Thom, Investment Adviser Fraud, New York NY, 2026 · New York
- Mark Thompson, Wire Fraud and Conspiracy, New York NY, 2023 · New York
- Attyx CEOs, $275M Solar Panel Installation Fraud, New York NY, 2023 · New York
- Letitia James, Investment Fraud, New York 2023 · New Hampshire
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News