Another Rhode Islander Admits To Pandemic Unemployment Fraud

PROVIDENCE, RI — Another Rhode Island man admitted to fraudulently applying for pandemic unemployment assistance, Attorney General Peter Neronha announced. Deeshawn Gadson, 32, pleaded guilty to wire fraud las week in federal court.

Gadson was accused of applying for unemployment insurance in April 2020 through the Department of Labor and Training. At the time, he both lived and worked in Rhode Island. That may, he began receiving benefits, collecting more than $20,000.

In June 2020, Gadson also submitted an online application to the Arizona State Department of Economic Security, claiming he lived and worked in Arizona. He received more than $7,000 in fraudulent benefits, Neronha's office said.

Gadson is set to be sentenced April 25.

In June 2020, Gadson submitted a fraudulent online application to the Arizona State Department of Economic Security, falsely stating that he lived and worked in Arizona. Gadson was paid $7,170 in PAU program benefits that he was not legally entitled to receive.

Gadson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 25, 2022.