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A Dominican Republic national, Karin L. Contreras, 45, pleaded guilty to participating in a $1 million unemployment fraud scheme in Washington, D.C. between June 2020 and March 2021. Contreras, a U.S. lawful permanent resident, conspired with others to fraudulently obtain unemployment insurance benefits using other people’s names and personal identity information. The scheme involved withdrawing funds from prepaid ATM cards loaded with benefits, with the majority of the cards being mailed to a D.C. address next to Contreras’ residence.
Contreras personally used 12 different fraudulently obtained cards to withdraw $23,000 from ATMs in Washington, D.C. between July 1, 2020, and July 14, 2020. In total, conspirators were able to realize more than $550,000 from the scheme. The case is part of the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat fraud, including the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro stated that Contreras’ behavior won’t be tolerated and that thieves will be held accountable. Contreras will be sentenced on November 6, 2026, before Judge Beryl A. Howell.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: DC
- Location: DC
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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