RI Man Admits To COVID-19 Relief Unemployment Fraud

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Rhode Island man admitted in federal court Friday to filing fraudulent unemployment insurance claims intended for COVID-19 relief.

Jesse Hazard, 31, of Providence, pleaded guilty to fire fraud, U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha and Attorney General Peter Neronha said in a joint statement.

In May 2020, Hazard, who worked in Massachusetts, submitted an online application seeking expanded pandemic unemployment benefits from the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance.

Despite receiving these benefits from Massachusetts, between June 17, 2020, and September 12, 2020, Hazard filed similar online benefit applications with unemployment agencies in five other states: Arizona, Nevada, California, Colorado and Nebraska.

In his applications, Hazard falsely claimed that he worked in, or was a resident of, each of those states.

Prosecutors said Hazard received $12,876 from California. His claims in Arizona, Nevada, Nebraska and Colorado were denied. In total, Hazard made out with $48,152.

Hazard is scheduled to be sentenced on July 14