Robert Carter, a 29-year-old resident of Homewood, Illinois, has been sentenced to over five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges of mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. The sentence was confirmed by the United States Department of Justice.
Between June 2020 and March 2021, Carter and his accomplices orchestrated a fraudulent scheme which involved submitting false unemployment insurance claims to state agencies such as the California Employment Development Department, the Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance, and the Virginia Employment Commission. The group exploited stolen Social Security numbers and birthdays, accruing over $1 million in illegally procured funds.
The Department of Labor’s Chicago Region’s Special Agent-in-Charge, Irene Lindow, pointed out that Carter and his accomplices unfairly capitalized on federal support designated for American workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. She appreciated the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their collaboration to, bring to justice Carter and any individual engaging in such fraudulent conduct.
Upon issuing a guilty plea, Judge Philip G. Reinhard of the U.S. District Court swiftly sentenced Carter to 64 months in federal prison, and ordered him to pay in excess of $1 million as restitution. This case underscores the commitment of judicial institutions towards holding accountable individuals exploiting the current pandemic situation.
