Waldorf, MD – Dementrous Von Smith, 36, is headed to federal prison for more than five years after being convicted of a brazen scheme to steal over $1.5 million in COVID-19 unemployment benefits. Smith, also known as “Meecho” and “El Meecho,” received a 53-month sentence from U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson, followed by three years of supervised release. The sentence comes after Smith pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
The scheme, which ran from March 2020 to October 2021, involved Smith and his accomplices impersonating victims to file fraudulent unemployment claims in Maryland, California, and Arizona. They didn’t just file the claims, they actively built fake identities, trading Personally Identifiable Information (PII) through texts, emails, and phone calls. Fake email addresses and phone numbers were created for the victims, all to funnel the stolen money directly into the hands of Smith and his crew. The audacity is staggering.
Once the fraudulently obtained benefits landed on debit cards, Smith and his co-conspirators didn’t hesitate to drain them. Bank surveillance footage caught Smith withdrawing $4,000 in just four transactions from ATMs in Laurel, MD, in July 2021 – all using the identity of a single victim. Records show Smith personally contacted the bank regarding at least 12 UI profiles of individuals whose identities had been stolen, racking up at least $1.5 million in illicit gains. This wasn’t a victimless crime; real people had their lives and finances turned upside down.
Federal agents weren’t just tracking the money, though. On July 7, 2022, a search of Smith’s residence and vehicle turned up more than just evidence of fraud. They recovered a 7.62 caliber firearm, a loaded 1911 style pistol, several magazines packed with ammunition, over 176 rounds of various calibers, and a staggering $9,100 in cash. It’s a clear picture of a criminal looking to profit from disaster, and prepared to protect his ill-gotten gains.
Smith isn’t the only one facing consequences. Co-defendant Michael Akame Ngwese Ay Makoge, 28, of Laurel, also pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme and faces up to 30 years in federal prison. The investigation was a multi-agency effort, involving the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Maryland State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
This case serves as a harsh reminder that exploiting a national crisis for personal gain will not be tolerated. The CARES Act was designed to help struggling Americans, not line the pockets of criminals like Dementrous Von Smith. The feds are sending a message: steal from the system, and you’ll pay the price.
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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