DA Charges Seven with Illegally Collecting Thousands in Unemployment Benefits

Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced Wednesday that seven people have been arrested for allegedly collecting unemployment benefits while being employed.

The seven individuals have all been charged with one count of grand larceny in the third degree and offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree.

“Unemployment benefits are intended to help workers through hard times while they look for employment, but these defendants allegedly stole benefits while they were employed,” said Singas. “My office will continue to work to eradicate fraud from these crucial programs that provide an important safety net for hardworking New Yorkers.”

Dominick Acquino, 31, of Long Beach, is charged with illegally collecting unemployment benefits between June 11, 2012 and Dec. 9, 2012 totaling approximately $10,530. During that time, Acquino earned money as a full-time office supplies sales representative working in Manhattan.

Christopher McCormick, 34, of Long Beach, is charged with collecting unemployment benefits from Feb. 20, 2012 to July 22, 2012 totaling approximately $11,353.25. During that time, he allegedly earned wages as a full-time laborer working in Farmingdale.

Justice Fells, 39, of Hempstead, is charged with allegedly collecting unemployment benefits between Dec. 23, 2013 and May 11, 2014 totaling approximately $7,290. During that time, the defendant earned wages as a full-time debt collector in Farmingdale and Commack.

Kenneth Robinson, 48, formerly of Hempstead, is charged with illegally collecting unemployment benefits between Oct. 16, 2011 and April 1, 2012 totaling approximately $14,985. During that time, Robinson earned wages as a full-time driver working in Lawrence and Carlstadt, New Jersey.

Michael O’Connor, 57, of East Rockaway, is charged with illegally collecting unemployment benefits between May 21, 2012 and Jan. 27, 2013 totaling approximately $15,390. During that time, he earned wages as a full-time superintendent working in Maspeth.

Sherill Goodson, 50, of Hempstead, is charged with illegally collecting unemployment benefits between Nov. 27, 2011 and March 23, 2014 totaling approximately $34,288.75. During that time, Goodson earned wages as a driver in Hicksville.

Curtis McFadden, 48, of Massapequa, is charged with illegally collecting unemployment benefits between Dec. 19, 2011 and Dec. 2, 2012 totaling approximately $18,731.25. During that time, he earned wages as a full-time tech support representative working in Melville.

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