LOS ANGELES – The grimy truth behind a federal prison term is now sealed: former Amtrak employee Lizette Berrios Lathon, 48, of Moreno Valley, was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison for orchestrating a near-$1 million COVID-19 unemployment benefits fraud scheme. The court also ordered her to pay back $1,061,667.
In November 2022, Lathon pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges, mail fraud, wire fraud, and identity theft. She was caught in a twisted dance with her husband, Kenneth Andrew Lathon, who received 54 months for his role.
While working at Amtrak from 2000 to 2021, Lathon ran three tax prep businesses. She and her husband exploited the CARES Act’s expanded UI benefits by filing fake applications using stolen client data. They drained bank accounts and spent lavishly, all while profiting from fraudulently obtained unemployment checks.
Lathon also swindled the Railroad Retirement Board out of $63,047 in sickness benefits through forged claims. Meanwhile, Kenneth Lathon, despite a criminal history, was caught with firearms.
The investigation was a collaborative effort by several federal agencies. This case serves as a stark reminder of the corruption that can arise during times of crisis.
Lizette Lathon’s sentence is not only a punishment but also a lesson for those who would exploit the system for personal gain.
RELATED: Ex-Amtrak Worker Gets Over Two Years for $1M Fraud Scam
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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