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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Susan (573) 751-1518
April 6, 2009
DOLIR Investigation Leads to $150K in Restitution
Individuals Charged for Fraudulently Receiving Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Jefferson City, Mo- Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR) ongoing investigations resulted in 39 individuals pleading guilty to charges for fraudulently receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits from the state. The individuals are charged with stealing by deceit and are court ordered to pay close to $150,000 in restitution.
“Unemployment Insurance is an important program to help people get back on their feet and stabilize the economy,” says Department Director Larry Rebman. “This Department along with the administration is committed to making sure this money gets into the right hands as well as investigating those attempting to cheat the system.”
Routine audits revealed 39 ineligible individuals received UI benefits. These individuals provided false information on weekly applications for UI benefits which caused benefits to be paid improperly. This type of fraud qualifies for a class C felony subjecting those charged to be placed on a maximum of 5 years probation and ordered to make restitution.
To further reduce the potential for fraud, DOLIR is proposing bipartisan legislation, HB916, which would prevent those with outstanding penalties due to fraud from receiving UI benefits. Currently, Missouri law allows those found guilty of fraud to collect UI benefits despite having outstanding penalties. Over the past few years, these penalties have totaled more than $11 million.
“With these preventative measures in place, we will have the necessary tools to bar individuals from taking advantage of the system. These funds need to be available to those who need it most in these tough economic times,” says Rebman.
For more information about the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations or how to file an Unemployment Insurance claim, visit www.dolir.mo.gov.
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