LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A federal grand jury has indicted a Las Vegas man for an alleged fraud scheme to steal more than $500,000 in COVID-19 unemployment benefits.
The suspect, Craig Renard Gibson, is charged with five counts of bank fraud, one count of illegal transactions with access devices and four counts of aggravated identity theft, according to federal prosecutors.
Court documents show Gibson was allegedly one of several individuals between August 2020 and December 2020 who had stolen debit cards containing unemployment insurance benefits from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation and the California Employment Development Department.
Prosecutors say Gibson and others "illegally withdrew over $500,000 in funds from these cards."
RELATED | 3 men sentenced for stealing over $520K in COVID unemployment benefits
“An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud involving the unemployment insurance program. This collaborative investigative effort with our local, state, and federal partners reaffirms our commitment to investigate these types of allegations,” said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge, Western Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
Gibson faces up to 162 years in prison and a fine of $5.25 million if he is convicted.
A jury trial has been set for October 20.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 1-866- 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdfdisaster-complaint-form.
-
New details in what led to Henderson suspect's arrest on kidnapping charges
According to new documents obtained by Channel 13, authorities first made contact with Jose Alvarez at Henderson Hospital after a woman claimed she was a victim of domestic battery.
Shooting investigation comes after man found bleeding in the road, says LVMPD
It happened in the 2800 block of West Sahara Avenue around 1:55 a.m., according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. This is an ongoing investigation.
Shooting at house party in northwest valley leaves teen dead, says LVMPD
Authorities responded to a home near Ann and Durango after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots and screaming around 10 p.m. Tuesday.
LVMPD body camera footage reveals new details about NYC shooter's history
Body camera footage reveals Las Vegas gunman Shane Tamura's history with police before killing four in NYC, including mental health holds that didn't block weapon purchase.
