Three More People Take Plea Deals for Unemployment Insurance Fraud

CRANSTON, RI – John Vittorioso, 29, of Cranston, pleaded no contest yesterday to unemployment fraud, Atty. Gen. Peter Kilmartin's office announced.

Vittorioso was charged with obtaining money under false pretenses. According to the AG's office, he collected more than $11,800 in unemployment insurance benefits while he was employed.

He agreed to pay back $11,848 in restitution at a rate of no less than $99 per month and was sentenced to 10 years probation.

Kilmartin's office said he was calling in for unemployment benefits while employed at a Smithfield Subway shop and while also working for SMG RI Convention Center in Providence.

Two other people also pleaded nolo contender yesterday to unemployment fraud. They became the latest in a series of similar cases.

“Just last week, Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Director Scott Jensen and myself served on a panel at the National Association of Attorneys General Eastern Region meeting to discuss the successful partnership between our two offices to crack down on unemployment insurance fraud," Kilmartin said. "These three cases, and the more than 30 cases we have successfully prosecuted this year alone, show the value of working together to ensure greater accountability of our government programs.”

Also yesterday, Jennifer Sampson, 41, of Warren, pleaded nolo contendere to one count of obtaining money under false pretenses. She collected more than $16,000 unemployment insurance benefits while she was working, Kilmartin's office said. She was also sentenced to 10 years probation. Sampson was ordered to pay $16,068 restitution at a rate of no less than $134 per month.

She was working for Automated Business Machines, Inc., in Warwick, while she collected benefits.

Finally, Anthony Griffin, 33, of Johnston, pleaded no contest to obtaining money under false pretenses. He collected more than $8,900 in unemployment insurance benefits while he was employed. Under the terms of the plea, Griffin was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to pay $8,923 in restitution at a rate of no less than $263 per month. He was working for Northeastern Tree Service in Cranston, while he was claiming benefits.

"Since 2013, the Office of Attorney General prosecutor has prosecuted cases resulting in 82 convictions for unemployment insurance fraud, Workers’ Compensation fraud and failure to properly pay wages," Kilmartin's office said, "with a total of $929,097 in court-ordered restitution and back wages that has been assessed."

Image via Shutterstock