Manchester Man Charged With Unemployment Fraud

MANCHESTER, CT - A Manchester man was arrested on Thursday and charged with illegally collecting almost $9,000 in unemployment compensation benefits, officials from the state Department of Justice said.

Maurice Rochardson, 40, of 21 Ridge Street, Manchester, was arrested by inspectors from the Unemployment Compensation Fraud Unit in the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney and charged with one count each of fourth-degree larceny and unemployment compensation fraud, according to a news release.

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The arrest is the result of an investigation following a complaint by the Connecticut Department of Labor.

According to the arrest warrant, Richardson fraudulently collected $8,763 in unemployment benefits from November 2012 through September 2013 when, in fact, he was employed.

Richardson was released on a $10,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court on July 12, justice department officials said.

Larceny in the fourth degree and misdemeanor unemployment compensation fraud are Class A misdemeanors punishable by no more than 1 year in prison and/or up to a $2,000 fine.