A former State of Michigan employee has been handed a 41-month prison sentence for her involvement in a scheme that siphoned off vital unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, as announced by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. Danielle Moore, a 41-year-old Detroit resident, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and is now required to pay full restitution amounting to over $1.5 million.
Moore's sentencing comes following a collaborative investigation between the FBI's Detroit Field Division, Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. Her crimes cut deep into the coffers of a program designed to alleviate financial distress during an unprecedented economic crisis, with the State of Michigan paying out roughly $1,507,057.08 in fraudulent claims. According to the Justice Department's announcement, U.S. Attorney Gorgon emphasized their commitment to prosecuting those who exploit government funds meant for the needy.
In her role at the Michigan Works Agency (MWA) as a claims examiner for the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (MUIA), Moore took bribes to approve illegitimate claims, some of which were made on behalf of incarcerated individuals. Special Agent Cheyvoryea Gibson from the FBI pointed out that Moore's actions were a "direct insult to the countless families and businesses struggling to survive the economic fallout of the pandemic," as reported by the Justice Department.
Additional details from the Justice Department website reveal that Moore not only mishandled her responsibilities but also took advantage of access to sensitive data for personal gain. "Ms. Moore, as a former state employee, betrayed the public’s trust by taking advantage of her position and conspiring to steal funds meant to support unemployed workers during a national crisis," Gibson said during the announcement. This sentiment was echoed by Megan Howell, Special Agent-in-Charge for the Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, who underscored the seriousness of an insider threat to critical benefit programs.
Jason Palmer, the Director of the Michigan UIA, expressed his disappointment, stating that Moore's failure had let down her colleagues and Michigan's taxpayers. "When a staff member breaks that trust for personal gain, it is particularly disappointing," Palmer noted, as per the Justice Department. The Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Detroit Area Public Corruption Task Force were involved in bringing the case to prosecute, led by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Wyse.
