Thursday, April 2, 2015

LAKE COUNTY WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FRAUD INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA



APRIL 2, 2015
 
Merrillville resident Shawndice C. Lenoir, 38, pled guilty March 6 in Lake County Superior Court IV to unemployment insurance fraud, a Class D Felony. Lenoir purposefully defrauded the system by collecting unemployment insurance benefits while working full-time. 

The investigation began when an Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) employee confirmed Lenoir was working and receiving wages while claiming unemployment insurance benefits. Using agency records and information from Lenoir’s employer, DWD investigated and was able to verify she worked while claiming unemployment insurance benefits.

 Lenoir was ordered to repay $37,449 to DWD for the benefits she fraudulently collected.  She was also sentenced to three years on probation.

 DWD receives wage reports and new hire data from Hoosier employers documenting who is employed and receiving compensation. The agency uses this information to ensure people are not collecting unemployment insurance benefits while working.   

You can also help combat unemployment insurance fraud and abuse by reporting it online at www.in.gov/dwd/fraud. Your efforts will help ensure tax dollars are spent wisely and unemployment insurance benefits are only paid to people who are eligible to receive them. You do not need to provide your name or any other identifying information in order to file a complaint in regards to unemployment insurance fraud.