Two Richland County Residents Plead Guilty To Unemployment Insurance Fraud
September 2, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and the SC Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) today announced that two Richland County residents entered guilty pleas to unemployment insurance fraud.
Caprice Joe and Timothy Ashford each pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement or misrepresentation with the intent to defraud the state, a misdemeanor punishable by up to three years in prison.
Joe and Ashford admitted to knowingly certifying to DEW that they were not working while filing for unemployment benefits, when in fact, both had been working and earning wages. As a result, each individual fraudulently received unemployment benefits to which they were not entitled.
They individually were sentenced to three years in prison which was suspended to time served, and placed on probation for five years. While on probation, Joe and Ashford must repay DEW more than $7,500 and $10,500 in restitution, respectively. The restitution amount does not include the $1,500 civil penalty they each are required to pay the state.
The case was investigated by DEW and prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.
To report suspected unemployment insurance fraud, call 1.800.868.1488. Callers can remain anonymous. To learn tips on how to help prevent unemployment fraud, visit dew.sc.gov/fraud.
