BALTIMORE, MD – A sprawling unemployment insurance fraud scheme that siphoned off over $1.6 million in stolen benefits has landed eleven individuals in federal court, according to a superseding indictment unsealed Friday. The crew allegedly hijacked the identities of countless victims to file bogus claims in both Maryland and California, lining their pockets while legitimate claimants waited for assistance.
The feds say the operation ran from February 2020 to October 2021. The indictment details a calculated effort to obtain birthdates, social security numbers, and other personal identifying information – the keys to unlocking fraudulent unemployment benefits. These details were then used to submit applications riddled with lies, including false contact information, residency details, and employment status. The scheme hinged on tricking financial institutions into loading benefits onto debit cards, which the defendants then intercepted and drained.
Those facing the music include Michael Akame Ngwese Ay Makoge, a/k/a “2Hype”, 28, of Laurel, Maryland; Dementrous Von Smith, a/k/a “Meecho” and “El Meecho”, 26, of Waldorf, Maryland; Nadine Mahoro Mwamikazi, 25, of Silver Spring, Maryland; Sky Tiffany Lawson, 28, of Bowie, Maryland; Christopher Thomas Yancy, a/k/a “Lil Bhris”, 30, of Laurel, Maryland; Sayquan Leon Bridges, a/k/a “Quan”, 27, of Bowie, Maryland; Christian Malik Adrea, a/k/a “Lil Leak”, 24, of Mitchellville, Maryland; Stephawn Malik Watson, a/k/a “O-Dawg”, 27, of District Heights, Maryland; Aiyanna Mone Washington, a/k/a “Yanna”, 27, of Glenarden, Maryland; Trez Anthony Hendy, a/k/a “Torch,” 29, of Silver Spring, Maryland; and Tayonna Sonora Johnson, 28, of Silver Spring, Maryland. The indictment alleges the group submitted over 200 fraudulent claims.
Adding another layer of criminality, Christopher Thomas Yancy is also accused of possessing a stolen Postal Service key in October 2021, with the intent to misuse it – likely to intercept the flow of fraudulently obtained debit cards. Investigators from multiple agencies, including the ATF Baltimore Field Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, collaborated on the investigation.
The 46-count indictment charges all eleven with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and, in Yancy’s case, stealing a post office key. If convicted, they face significant prison time and financial penalties. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Erek L. Barron, vowed to pursue justice for the victims of this brazen scheme.
This case underscores the vulnerability of the unemployment insurance system to exploitation, particularly during times of economic upheaval. While the pandemic created a genuine need for unemployment benefits, it also provided fertile ground for criminals looking to profit from the hardship of others. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities haven’t ruled out the possibility of additional arrests or charges.
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- Tanner Uffelman, Pandemic Unemployment Fraud, Pennsylvania 2023 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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