⏱ 2 min read
Katrina McCant, a 41-year-old former contractor for the Maryland Department of Labor, pled guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges in federal court. The scheme, which took place from January 2021 to December 2021, involved McCant using her insider access to fraudulently obtain unemployment insurance claim benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. McCant worked for a company that provided support services to the Maryland Department of Labor, allowing her to exploit the system for personal gain.
McCant’s actions included uploading and approving false documents, removing holds on claims, and certifying weeks to facilitate fraudulent payments. She also used the personal identifiable information of real people to make changes to claims, allowing her to direct deposit funds into her own financial accounts. The scheme was part of a larger effort by the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes, Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office. McCant’s actions demonstrate a brazen abuse of trust and a willingness to exploit a system designed to support those in need.
The outcome of the case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilant oversight and the need for accountability in government contracting. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact communities, it is essential to protect the integrity of systems designed to provide support to those affected.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Maryland
- Location: MD
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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