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Tennessee Couple Convicted of Unemployment Compensation Fraud
HARRISBURG – A federal jury has convicted a Tennessee couple of conspiracy, mail fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft charges related to an unemployment compensation fraud scheme.
Earl Lafayette Hall, III, age 35, of Arlington, Tennessee, and his wife, Renita Blunt, age 32, were found guilty of misusing the identities of others to submit counterfeit forms and steal money intended for individuals who experience unemployment after serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The jury returned with the guilty verdicts after approximately 2.5 hours of deliberation. Hall was convicted on 12 mail fraud counts, 10 money laundering counts, four aggravated identity theft counts, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Blunt was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft counts.
The jury also directed Hall to forfeit the sum of $30,000 and Blunt to forfeit $1,026. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering & Fraud Investigations, U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Internal Audits Division, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation Benefits and Policy, and the Pennsylvania Department of the Treasury, Office of Unemployment Compensation Disbursements.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Douglas Daniel and Scott R. Ford prosecuted the case. The maximum penalty under federal law is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The Judge will consider the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense, the history and characteristics of the defendant, and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs.
U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler stated that Earl Lafayette Hall III and Renita Blunt will continue to work with law enforcement partners to investigate those who exploit the Unemployment Compensation for Ex-service Members Program. Richard Deer, Special Agent in Charge, Philadelphia Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, added that the couple’s actions were a misuse of the system and a slap in the face to those who truly need the benefits.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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