Cranston Man Admits To Role In $450K COVID-19 Benefit Fraud Scheme

CRANSTON, RI — A Cranston man admitted in federal court in Massachusetts Thursday that he conducted COVID-19 benefit fraud, stealing $450,000 in unemployment benefits.

Dquintz Alexander, 36, pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

Alexander was arrested in 2021 after federal investigators learned he submitted false information to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. Prosecutors said the applications to receive fraudulent benefits were submitted in Massachusetts between April and June 2020.

According to prosecutors, Alexander and co-conspirator Norman Higgs opened bank accounts to receive payments on the fraudulent claims. Prosecutors said Alexander and Higgs also used various methods to conceal their involvement in the scheme, including using virtual private networks (VPNs), overseas email accounts and phone numbers from voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services.

Higgs pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy in September 2021.

Alexander is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 10. He faces up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud and conspiracy, as well as fines and probation after release. Prosecutors said the identity theft charge carries a mandatory minimum two-year prison sentence.