Fraudster’s Web of Deceit
Joseph M. Yesvetz, a 57-year-old Hazleton man, has pleaded guilty to making a false claim for benefits under the Department of Labor’s Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICP). The scheme netted him a whopping $150,000 in benefits meant for his deceased father.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Yesvetz filed a claim on behalf of his father, who died in 2001 after working at a beryllium plant. The claim alleged that the deceased suffered from chronic beryllium disease, a condition caused by exposure to toxic substances in the workplace.
However, during the investigation, it was discovered that Yesvetz had a prior conviction in 2008 for mail fraud in connection with his receipt of $88,000 in Pennsylvania state workers’ compensation benefits meant for his deceased father. By hiding this information, Yesvetz was able to secure the $150,000 in EEOICP benefits in April 2012.
The case was investigated by the Department of Labor Inspector General’s Office and is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Bruce Brandler.
A sentence will be imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under the federal statute is five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. However, the actual sentence will depend on various factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offense, Yesvetz’s history and characteristics, and the need to punish him, protect the public, and provide for his educational, vocational, and medical needs.
Yesvetz’s guilty plea has brought an end to the scheme, but the full extent of his deceit has been laid bare. As the public awaits the Judge’s decision, one thing is clear: the consequences of fraud are severe and far-reaching.
Defendant: Joseph M. Yesvetz, a 57-year-old resident of Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
Criminal Charges: Making a false claim for benefits under the EEOICP.
City and State: Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
Exact Date: Not specified.
Sentence or Outcome: Yesvetz has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
Dollar Amounts: $150,000 in EEOICP benefits and $88,000 in Pennsylvania state workers’ compensation benefits.
Related Federal Cases
- Earl R. Russell, Making a Materially False Statement in a TWIC Application, Pennsylvania 2023 · Rhode Island
- Joseph E. Gump, Income Tax Evasion, Pennsylvania 2006 · Pennsylvania
- Joseph Dees, Aggravated Identity Theft, Pennsylvania 2013 · Colorado
- Andrew Persaud, False Statements, Pennsylvania 2016 · Washington
- Karen McGinnis, Embezzlement, Pennsylvania 2023 · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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