Mississippi auditor announces guilty plea in operation targeting unemployment fraud

JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi State Auditor Shad White announced that Benjamin Coleman pleaded guilty to one count of fraudulent statements and representations. Coleman submitted false weekly certification sheets to receive unemployment benefits from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, White said.

White stated, “My office will continue to drop the hammer on criminals who can be identified and recover as much misspent taxpayer dollars as possible.”

In a court ruling, Forrest County Circuit Court sentenced Coleman to three years of pre-trial diversion. He was also ordered to pay $2,824 in restitution and a $175 fine.

Suspected fraud can be reported to the Mississippi Auditor’s Office at any time by clicking the red button on the agency’s website or calling 1-800-321-1275 during normal business hours.

Source: Original Article