Harrisville Woman Pleads Nolo to Unemployment Fraud

WOONSOCKET, RI — Two people pleaded no contest to unemployment fraud, according to Atty. Gen. Peter Kilmartin. So far this year, his office has successfully prosecuted 30 such cases.

Amanda Jackson, 37, of Harrisville, accepted a plea deal in Providence Superior Court today before Judge Netti C. Vogel. Jackson was charged with one count of obtaining money under false pretenses over $1,500.

She was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay $11,064 restitution at a rate of no less than $191 per month.

According to court papers, she collected more than $11,000 in unemployment insurance benefits while she was working.

Natasha Alvarez, 29, of Pawtucket, also pleaded nolo contendere. She appeared yesterday before Providence Superior Court Magistrate Patrick Burke.

Alvarez was charged with obtaining money under false pretenses. According to court papers, she collected $6,000 in unemployment insurance benefits while she was employed.

She made full restitution yesterday, and the case was filed for one year.

“Some people may think that unemployment insurance fraud is a victimless crime and that authorities won’t go after those who commit it," Kilmartin said. "These cases, and the many others we have successfully prosecuted, should be a stark warning to anyone considering attempting to commit unemployment insurance fraud; it will be discovered, investigated, and prosecuted."

According to Kilmartin, the AG's office has so far this year "secured court-ordered restitution of approximately $340,000."