Jesus Ramos, also known as Manny, of Dunkirk, New York, pleaded guilty on Mar. 25 to theft of government funds related to a COVID-19 unemployment assistance scheme. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Ramos faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case centers on fraudulent applications for unemployment compensation through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, co-defendant Lamont Brown recruited individuals to apply for PUA benefits for which they were not eligible.
In July 2020, Ramos provided his identification information and social security number to Brown with knowledge that it would be used fraudulently. As a result, Ramos received an $11,454 check from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources despite never residing or working in Puerto Rico and being ineligible for those funds. The money was deposited into an account owned by Brown at Lake Shore Savings Bank and subsequently withdrawn and spent.
The total loss caused by Ramos and others involved in the scheme amounted to $67,524 from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources. Brown has already been convicted in connection with this case and is awaiting sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations under Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General under Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone for the Northeast Region.
Sentencing for Ramos is scheduled before Judge John L. Sinatra Jr., on July 24.
