Pandemic Unemployment Fraud: 7 Northeast Ohioans Accused: DOJ

CLEVELAND — Seven Northeast Ohioans are accused of committing fraud to obtain COVID-19 pandemic unemployment assistance, the Department of Justice announced Thursday.

Between May 17, 2020, and Nov. 13, 2020, the indictment says, the seven charged people submitted fake unemployment applications, which were processed by the state. More than $290,000 in benefits were paid out to the seven accused people, court documents said.

"These individuals are believed to have engaged in fraud in order to financially enrich themselves. Anytime fraud is committed using a government funded program all tax paying citizens are victims," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith.

The following people face charges of mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud: Lawrence Lawson, 41, Cleveland, Ohio; Cierra Clifton, 38, Willowick, Ohio; Emanuel Smith, 49, Cleveland, Ohio; Terrance Jones, 27, Cleveland, Ohio; Quantez Lawson, 29, Cleveland, Ohio; Charles Moore, 35, Cleveland, Ohio; Mark Dailey, 54, Cleveland, Ohio.

“This indictment represents the Department of Justice’s commitment to prosecute those who are alleged to have fraudulently obtained government benefits to which they were not entitled," said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of unemployment insurance fraud, report the issue to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by calling 866-720-5721 or visiting www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.