Stevenson Woman Sentenced in Chattanooga for COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Fraud Scheme
Meghan Pittman to Spend 18 months in Federal Prison
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.—Stevenson Alabama resident Meghan Pittman was given an 18-month federal prison sentence on Wednesday for conducting a fraudulent COVID-19 unemployment benefits scheme. United States District Judge Curtis Collier also ruled that 29-year-old Pittman would be subjected to 5 years of probation following her prison term.
COVID-19 Unemployment Relief Fraud spanned Four States
Pittman’s fraudulent activities occurred between June 2020 and June 2021. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, she colluded with other cohorts to deceitfully access COVID unemployment relief funding from four states: Tennessee, Alabama, Pennsylvania and California.
Pittman exploited the personal information of others to systematically formulate mass online applications for unemployment insurance relief funds. These funds were initially intended to provide aid to individuals affected by the national pandemic. Utilizing the purloined information, she falsely asserted that the individuals named on the applications were employed within the aforementioned states.
Payout Procedure and Fraudulent Earnings
The states then dispatched debit cards containing the relief funds to addresses located within the Eastern District of Tennessee. In return for her fraudulent efforts, Pittman pocketed a portion of the financial gain from each fraudulent claim. It is estimated that the Stevenson woman personally pilfered over $85,000 of unemployment protection insurance funds, while the overall fraudulent scheme led to a loss of approximately $550,000.
Plea Agreement and Wire Fraud Charges
In a plea agreement filed with the court, Pittman pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Wire fraud is a federal crime in the United States, punishable by heavy fines and imprisonment for up to 20 years. The case underlines the significant consequences that will be faced by those who attempt to capitalize on national emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic for personal profit.
A Warning Against Fraudulent Schemes
This case serves as a stern reminder to the public about the legal repercussions that come with participating in fraudulent activities targeting relief funds. Authorities have heightened their vigilance against such schemes during the pandemic era and are encouraging individuals to report any suspicious activities linked to these funds. Significantly, it highlights a commitment by the federal authorities to continue pursuing and prosecuting those who exploit and defraud government aid programs, particularly during a time of national crisis.
