Joshua Lambert, Conspired to Steal Unemployment and COVID-19 Benefits, West Virginia 2026

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Table of Contents

Joshua Lambert Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Steal Unemployment and COVID-19 Benefits

In a shocking case of corruption, Joshua Lambert, 36, of St. Albans, was sentenced to six months in prison for conspiring to steal public money, property, or records.

Lambert admitted to fraudulently obtaining $10,616 in unemployment benefits, including COVID-19 supplementary funds, while in state and federal custody. He claimed that he conspired with a family member to receive unemployment benefits fraudulently while he was incarcerated.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Lambert had been receiving legitimate unemployment benefits from June 2020 until on or about September 28, 2020, when he was incarcerated on state and federal charges. The family member accessed the WorkForce West Virginia website from a St. Albans residence for 32 consecutive weeks and falsely certified that Lambert was entitled to unemployment benefits.

Lambert further admitted that he fraudulently applied for and received more than $10,616 in unemployment compensation benefits from at least September 2020 through at least May 2022. Lambert has fully paid the $10,616 in court-ordered restitution.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the WorkForce West Virginia Integrity Section and the Litigation Financial Analyst with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Tessman prosecuted the case.

Lambert was released from incarceration on or about April 8, 2024. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the consequences of fraudulent actions.