Ambulai R. Sheku, Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, Theft of Government Funds, Computer Fraud, Rhode Island 2017

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A former Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) insider admitted today to orchestrating a brazen scheme to steal over half a million dollars in unemployment benefits. Ambulai R. Sheku, 37, of Providence, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges including conspiracy to commit mail fraud, theft of government funds, and computer fraud. The case lays bare a shocking breach of trust within the state agency responsible for assisting those in need.

According to court documents, Sheku, formerly a Senior Employment Interviewer, abused his authorized access to DLT computer files between June 2009 and February 2015. He wasn’t just processing claims; he was rewriting them, manipulating the system to funnel money to himself and a network of co-conspirators. The total loss to the Rhode Island DLT is estimated at approximately $508,691, with a staggering $350,606 coming directly from federal funds.

The scheme was multi-faceted and coldly calculated. Sheku didn’t simply create fraudulent claims; he hijacked legitimate ones. He altered mailing addresses, diverting benefit checks to the wrong recipients. He extended benefits beyond their expiration dates for his accomplices. He even approved claims for individuals who were actively employed – a clear violation of eligibility rules. Furthermore, he bypassed system blocks intended to prevent fraudulent payments, keeping the illicit cash flowing. The level of manipulation demonstrates a clear understanding of the system’s vulnerabilities.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith accepted Sheku’s guilty plea. The announcement was made jointly by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Rhode Island State Police Acting Superintendent Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, and Michael C. Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Region of the Department of Labor – Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations. This was a collaborative effort to root out corruption within the system.

Sheku’s sentencing is currently scheduled for February XX, 2017. The investigation remains ongoing, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Rhode Island State Police, and the U.S. Department of Labor continuing to probe the full extent of the conspiracy. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service provided valuable assistance during the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly is prosecuting the case.

This case serves as a stark reminder that even within seemingly secure government systems, vulnerabilities exist. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments, ensuring accountability and shedding light on the dark underbelly of public corruption. The public deserves to know where their tax dollars are going – and who is stealing them.

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