DENVER—Eight people in Colorado Springs have been charged with posing as veterans to collect fraudulent unemployment benefits, federal prosecutors said Monday.
The U.S. attorney in Colorado said six men and two women collected some $214,000 in benefits designated for veterans. Five of the people once served in the military, but prosecutors said they were fraudulently applying for benefits for others.
The eight people were accused of submitting false names, Social Security numbers and dates of birth. They’ve been charged with conspiracy and receipt of stolen government property.
Those indicted Dec. 15 were Eric G. Adams, Renita L. Blunt, Conslyn L. Hall, Earl L. Hall, Jermaine L. Hall, Demetrius L. Harper, Corey D. Ladson and Terrance R. Wray.
All lived in the Colorado Springs area between 2006 and 2008, when the alleged fraud occurred.
Six of the eight have been arrested. Adams was in custody at the El Paso County Jail. Jermaine Hall was listed as a fugitive.
Arraignment were expected this week in U.S. District Court in Denver.
The alleged conspiracy targeted a program called Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Military, or UCX. Recipients must have been honorably discharged from active duty. The benefit varies by state.
If convicted, the suspects could each face 10 years in prison, plus fines and restitution.
