Eight current or former Colorado Springs residents posing as former military service members have been indicted for allegedly stealing $214,000 in unemployment benefits meant for veterans.
The federal grand jury in Denver said the eight began submitting fraudulent applications for unemployment benefits in November 2006 and made more than 200 applications.
According to the indictment, the applications were made under various names, including names of the defendants, aliases, names of defendants’ family members and false names.
They also submitted false certificates of release or discharge from active duty, false Social Security numbers, false birth dates and false information about military service.
“Individuals who fraudulently obtain benefits reserved for former service members do a grave injustice to brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who faithfully served their country,” said a statement from Sharon Woods, director of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
The indictment was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Department of Defense and the Colorado and U.S. labor departments.
The eight defendants are Earl L. Hall, 33; Renita L. Blunt, 24; Eric G. Adams, 38; Conslyn L. Hall, 28; Jermaine L. Hall, 35, Terrance R. Wray, 28; Demetrius L. Harper, 39; and Corey D. Ladson, 36. Six have been arrested, authorities said.
All are accused of receiving government property and conspiracy. Earl Hall is also accused of one count of aggravated identity theft.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
