Workforce Development Releases Info on Welfare Fraud Case
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Chris Tulley-
North Webster resident Mary J. Rico, 50, pleaded guilty to unemployment insurance fraud, a level 6 felony, in February. Rico purposefully defrauded the system by collecting unemployment insurance benefits while working full time, according to a press release from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development released Thursday. Rico was charged with welfare fraud Sept. 25, 2014. Through the use of agency records, a Workforce Development employee began an investigation and determined that Rico was working and receiving wages while claiming unemployment insurance benefits. Rico was ordered to repay $52,891 to Workforce Development for the benefits she fraudulently collected. She also was sentenced to 2-1/2 years on probation. Workforce Development receives wage reports and new hire data from Indiana employers, documenting who is employed and receiving compensation, the press release states. The agency uses this information to ensure people are not collecting unemployment insurance benefits while working. Anyone can help combat unemployment insurance fraud and abuse by reporting it online at www.in.gov/dwd/fraud These efforts will help ensure tax dollars are spent wisely and unemployment insurance benefits are only paid to people who are eligible to receive them. A person does not need to provide their name or any other identifying information in order to file a complaint in regards to unemployment insurance fraud.
