JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi State Auditor Shad White announced that Kenjarell Thomas, an inmate, pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to pandemic unemployment fraud. Thomas admitted to one count each of identity theft, fraud, and wire fraud, according to White.
White said Thomas, while incarcerated, applied for unemployment benefits using personal information from other prisoners and used his mother’s address to receive payments. The auditor noted that Mississippi distributed more than $500 million in illegal unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hinds County Circuit Court sentenced Thomas to 15 years in prison and ordered him to pay $37,470.53 in restitution. White emphasized ongoing efforts to identify and prosecute fraudsters involved in these schemes.
Suspected fraud can be reported to the Mississippi Auditor’s Office via the website or by calling 1-800-321-1275 during normal business hours, White added.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
