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Destinee Snay, Pandemic Fraud, Leicester MA, 2021
LEICESTER, MA – A Leicester woman and a man are facing federal charges for allegedly running a sophisticated scheme to steal pandemic unemployment benefits from multiple states. Destinee Snay, 19, was charged today with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, adding to the existing charges against William Cordor, 26, who was initially indicted in April. The pair allegedly used stolen identities to file fraudulent claims and funnel the money onto prepaid debit cards.
The feds say Cordor and Snay worked together from around June 2020 to October 2020, targeting unemployment systems in states like Nevada. According to the indictment, Cordor was already on law enforcement’s radar. On August 18, 2020, police encountered him during a domestic violence incident and found a stash of 21 prepaid debit cards in 13 different names. A search of his computer and cell phone allegedly revealed further evidence connecting him to the fraud scheme.
But the alleged scam didn’t stop at unemployment. Cordor is also accused of applying for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) using stolen identities, again directing the funds to prepaid debit cards. This demonstrates a clear pattern of exploiting the pandemic relief programs for personal gain, a cynical move preying on a time of national crisis.
Interestingly, Cordor apparently attempted to get ahead of the investigation. Back in May 2020, he admitted to federal agents he’d fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits from Massachusetts, and even surrendered $79,000 from his bank account – presumably proceeds from that earlier scheme. But that didn’t deter him, as the indictment alleges he was already filing fraudulent claims in Nevada just a month later, in July 2020.
If convicted, both Snay and Cordor could face up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, along with up to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Cordor also faces a mandatory two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft, on top of any other penalties, plus another $250,000 fine. Sentencing will ultimately be determined by a federal judge considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.
The investigation was a joint effort by the U.S. Secret Service, the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, and local police departments in Leicester and Marlboro. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy from the Worcester Branch Office. This case is part of the broader COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force established by the Attorney General to combat pandemic-related fraud across the country. The feds are clearly sending a message: exploiting disaster relief won’t be tolerated.
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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