PITTSBURGH – In a stunning revelation, Levi Stroud, 24, and Christina Marie Weigner have been charged alongside 31 other individuals for orchestrating a $2 million unemployment benefit fraud scheme. The duo, Stroud an inmate at Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution (SCI) -Greene since January 2018, and Weigner of Burgettstown, PA, are alleged to have filed false claims under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
United States Attorney Scott W. Brady called the fraud ‘appalling,’ stating that these individuals exploited a national emergency for personal gain. Brady warned those involved in similar schemes to withdraw fraudulent applications and return any benefits obtained through deceit or face immediate legal action.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that scammers who exploit programs meant to aid vulnerable communities during trying times will be held accountable. ‘Our mission is to root out these scammers,’ Shapiro said.
Derek Pickle of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General highlighted the critical role of investigating fraud in unemployment insurance programs, noting the impact on the security and wellbeing of communities. Timothy Burke from the U.S. Secret Service’s Pittsburgh Field Office emphasized the severity of defrauding disaster relief funds.
FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman condemned the scheme as a betrayal of struggling families during the pandemic, vowing to bring all perpetrators to justice. The accused individuals are facing serious charges for their roles in this elaborate scam.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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