In a brazen case of unemployment insurance scheme, a 79-year-old Post Falls man has been sentenced for using unauthorized access devices. Jimmy Winebrenner, a resident of Post Falls, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye on August 11, 2020, for using or trafficking in unauthorized access devices in relation to an unemployment insurance scheme, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.
According to court records, in Spring 2020, Winebrenner began receiving unemployment benefits cards in the mail from various state agencies, including cards from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR). The unemployment benefit cards were debit cards and preloaded with unemployment benefit funds issued in other persons’ names.
Winebrenner was specifically sentenced for using a debit card issued in another person’s name and obtaining $14,830 at an ATM in Coeur d’Alene from the debit card. Winebrenner did so with the intent to defraud. Between July and August 2020, Winebrenner obtained $81,180 from Nevada DETR debit cards issued in other persons’ names.
The investigation, led by the United States Postal Inspection Service, revealed that Winebrenner had been using the debit cards to obtain funds meant for other individuals.
Winebrenner was sentenced to serve five years of probation, and to pay restitution in the amount of $81,180 to the Nevada DETR. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Mazorol.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in preventing and investigating unemployment insurance schemes. We urge anyone with information about such schemes to come forward and report it to the authorities.
U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for its investigation, which led to the charges.
Key Facts
- State: Idaho
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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