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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Cavender (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 30, 2006
Eight Convicted of Unemployment Insurance Fraud; $38,000 in Restitution Ordered
Missouri Department of Labor Aggressively Investigates Fraud Cases
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations today announced its referrals resulted in eight criminal convictions for unemployment insurance fraud and charges were filed against seven more individuals. These convictions resulted in court ordered restitution of $38,799.70.
These individuals were investigated by the Department’s Division of Employment Security and were referred to the county’s Prosecuting or Circuit Attorney. Among the cases successfully prosecuted were:
- Benjamin Allen was sentenced on October 20, 2006 in St. Louis County to five years probation and ordered restitution of $2,953.90.
- Romanda Griffin was sentenced on October 10, 2006 in St. Louis City to six years probation and ordered restitution of $5,590.
- Tracey Palmer was sentenced on September 12, 2006 in St. Louis City to five years probation and ordered restitution of $5,656.
- Michael Praszynski was sentenced on September 18, 2006 in Polk County to two years probation and ordered restitution of $93.62.
- Patasha Robinson was sentenced on October 10, 2006 in St. Louis City and ordered restitution of $2,835.
- Devon Spruill was sentenced on October 10, 2006 in St. Louis City to five years probation and ordered restitution of $6,224.18.
- Gwen Strickland was sentenced on August 25, 2006 in St. Louis City to five years probation and ordered restitution of $7,743.
- Kathleen Woolridge was sentenced on October 10, 2006 in St. Louis City to five years probation and ordered restitution of $7,704.
Restitution is paid to the Missouri Division of Employment Security and is returned to the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund.
In addition, seven individuals were charged for unemployment insurance fraud.
The following individual was charged for stealing the following amount in Jefferson County:
- Jason R. Kempa, $4,086.86
The following individual was charged with stealing the following amount in St. Francois County:
- Walter G. Logan, $5,649
The following individuals were charged with stealing the following amounts in St. Louis City:
- Christopher C. Key, $6,335.03
- Sandra J. Keys, $6,446
- Joe Willie Price, $6,250
- Darrell L. Rogers, $5,202
- Tamara Y. Wea, $5,407
The Division of Employment Security actively pursues criminal prosecution of individuals who file fraudulent claims. Such claims raise employer taxes and reduce the fund that is used for paying benefits.
Fraudulent unemployment insurance benefit claims are those collected by individuals who do not qualify. Under Missouri law, workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own and are actively seeking work are eligible to receive up to 26 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits. Workers must also have worked in covered employment and earned certain qualifying wages to be entitled to any unemployment insurance benefits.
For more information regarding the Division of Employment Security or to report potential unemployment insurance fraud, visit www.dolir.mo.gov/es or call (573) 751-3215.
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Information and Planning · 421 East Dunklin
· P.O. Box 504 · Jefferson City, MO
65102-0504
573-751-7500 · 573-751-6552 (Fax)
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