Two Suffolk County corrections officers, Christnel Orisca and Jasmine Murphy, are facing charges for allegedly cheating COVID-19 relief programs. They are accused of submitting false information to get loans from the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Paycheck Protection Program. Orisca is charged with five counts of wire fraud and one false statement charge, while Murphy faces seven counts of wire fraud and one false statement charge. Both are scheduled to appear in court, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Orisca and Murphy are accused of fraudulently receiving unemployment and small business loan benefits meant for those affected by the pandemic. Orisca allegedly took about $54,700 while working full-time for a security company and a delivery company. Murphy is accused of receiving around $44,346 while employed with trucking and workforce services companies. Both reportedly claimed they were unemployed and not earning income while collecting these funds. "This case highlights the critical importance of protecting taxpayer-funded programs like the CARES Act from fraud and abuse," said U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. "Such conduct not only undermines the integrity of these programs but also betrays the public’s trust," as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Federal authorities, including the U.S. Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland Security, are investigating alleged fraud by corrections officers. "We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations," said Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone. The charges against Orisca and Murphy could lead to long prison sentences and large fines, but they are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Department of Justice, through the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force, is focused on addressing pandemic-related fraud and encourages the public to report any suspicions, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.